System and method of controlling temperature of a medium by refrigerant vaporization and working gas condensation

ABSTRACT

A system and method of controlling temperature of a medium by refrigerant vaporization, or working gas condensation, or a combination of both, the system including a container, at least one a working gas reservoir having at least one reservoir section that includes a wall with an exterior surface structured to be thermally coupled with a volume of the medium in the container and to provide a volume of medium thermal coverage in the container, a condensation apparatus to provide regulation of working gas condensation in the reservoir, whereby the working gas reservoir forms a vapor space in each of the at least one reservoir section in response to receiving the working gas and to the condensation apparatus regulation of condensation to enable working gas condensation at or near a selected temperature of the volume of medium in the container that is thermally coupled to the respective reservoir section.

BACKGROUND Technical Field

The present disclosure is directed to the process and tools used fordental restorations and, more particularly, to precise and efficientreconstruction and replacement of teeth using novel digital workflowsand improved dental scan bodies, abutments and other dental devices thatprovide a more precise fit and optimal form and function.

Description of the Related Art

Temperature control is a fundamental requirement for successful chemicalreaction engineering. Biological cells grow and produce products at anoptimum temperature; likewise chemical catalysts, separations,crystallizations, evaporations, filtrations, polymerizations,isomerizations, and other reactions have specific operating temperatureswhich best achieve desired results.

Traditional cooling methods do not have the capability of adapting tothe time and spatially dependent heat production characteristics ofchemical and biochemical reactions, particularly those with low heatoutputs. Such reactions include ethanol and lactic acid fermentations,anaerobic digestions, pharmaceutical cell cultures, biodieselesterifications, and industrial polymerizations. Although thesereactions can generate substantial instantaneous heat, the overall heatgenerated is low, and heat production values often vary significantly intime and space. This variation, also, may require local addition of heatto maintain a homogenous temperature profile throughout the reaction.

For example, fermentation of red wine has a heat output that increasesrapidly in the first few hours, peaks briefly, and then falls graduallyover several days. Fermentation heat output is also directlyproportional to the local concentration of metabolically digestingyeast, concentrations which can vary spatially inside a tank or vessel.This variance is caused by dependence on naturally generated CO₂ foragitation/homogenization, with CO₂ production also directly proportionalto the local concentration of metabolically digesting yeast and furtherproportional to the overall heat output of the fermentation cycle.

Failure to control the fermentation temperature of red wine mayadversely affect batch quality. Specifically, yeast may clump onfloating skins, generate localized areas of high heat/acceleratedmetabolic activity, and die prematurely due to elevated, localtemperatures. These deaths then result in an insufficient yeastpopulation to complete the conversion of all sugar in the tank or vessel(an incomplete/failed fermentation). Furthermore, failure to controltemperature during fermentation can alter the flavor of the wine, due tochanges in yeast metabolic selectivity for production of volatilemetabolites.

Traditional temperature control methods for fermentation utilize anexternal cooling jacket with a variable flow of chilled water or glycoland a temperature control element submerged in the reaction vessel.While this method can provide rapid cooling of a vessel volume, quicklyoffsetting the heat of reaction, unnecessary cooling may follow. Forexample, a temperature element may correctly interpret a local need forcooling when the majority of the reaction volume does not require it.Likewise, an element may correctly determine that cooling of the nearbyreaction volume is not required, when, in fact, the reaction hasexceeded the set-point temperature elsewhere in the tank or vessel.Similar temperature control challenges are observed when heating of areaction vessel is desired via an external heating jacket with avariable flow of hot water or steam and a temperature control elementsubmerged in the reaction vessel.

One solution to this problem is agitation of the reaction volume.Agitation homogenizes the reaction volume and provides a more uniformconcentration near the temperature element, better representative of thetotal vessel contents. However, many common biological reactions, likeethanol production during beer fermentation, are not artificiallyagitated as the yeast naturally generates CO₂, helping to homogenize thefermenting culture. Artificial agitation also risks accidental oxidationof the beer during fermentation, possibly altering the flavor profileand reducing shelf-life. The brewer thus must rely upon naturalagitation but cannot be certain that the vessel cooling or heatingsystem functions at optimal conditions due to lack of homogeneity in thefermenting volume.

As with wine fermentation, beer fermentation is also temperaturesensitive. Generally, beer yeast can be divided into two categories:lagers and ales. Lager strains prefer temperatures between 45° F. and55° F., while ale strains prefer fermentation temperatures between 60°F. and 70° F. Temperature control is crucial to ensure quality,particularly with regard to flavor and for consistency betweenfermenting batches. Temperature extremes, either above or below thedesired range, risk both generation of unwanted chemical byproducts(esters, diacetyls, fusel alcohols, etc.) and thermal shock of theyeast, which can lead to cellular damage, including premature death.

Fermenters have been designed using conventional technology to utilizevacuum, water or air recirculation to cool tanks or vessels. Forinstance, U.S. Pat. No. 7,685,715 for methods for processing thecontents of containers and tanks or vessels with a coaxial tank orvessels having an inner cylinder wrapped with spiral bands which arethen covered by an outer cylinder whereby fluid is circulated betweenthe cylinders to regulate the temperature of the inner cylinder andcontents.

U.S. Patent Publication No. 20050077029 teaches heat exchanges forfermentation tanks or vessels using an outer cylinder with a concentricinner cylinder through which a liquid of a selected temperature ispassed to regulate the temperature of the contents of the outercylinder. U.S. Pat. No. 7,870,891 teaches using a jacketed fermenterusing air as a cooling medium. U.S. Patent Publication No. 20080175951teaches establishing a vacuum in the fermenter above the fermentedliquid to control the vapor pressure.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The present disclosure is, in one implementation, directed to a systemand method to control the temperature of a medium in a container, suchas a tank or vessel.

In accordance with one implementation of the present disclosure, asystem and method of controlling temperature of a medium by working gascondensation is provided. The system includes a container having anexterior and an interior, at least one working gas reservoir associatedwith the container, the at least one working gas reservoir having atleast one reservoir section configured to hold working gas, each atleast one reservoir section having a wall with an exterior surfacestructured to be thermally coupled with a volume of the medium in thecontainer and to provide thermal change to the volume of the medium inthe container and thereby provide a volume of medium thermal coverage inthe container, the volume of medium thermal coverage having an outsideboundary, a condensation apparatus to provide regulation of working gaspressure in the at least one working gas reservoir, and wherein the atleast one working gas reservoir is configured to form a vapor space ineach of the at least one reservoir sections in response to receivingworking gas and in response to the condensation apparatus regulation ofthe working gas pressure to enable working gas condensation at or near aselected temperature of the volume of medium thermal coverage for thevolume of the medium in the container that is thermally coupled to therespective at least one reservoir section.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the atleast one reservoir section includes a plurality of reservoir sectionsthat each have a respective internal reservoir space that is in fluidcommunication with at least one other internal reservoir space of anadjacent reservoir section, and the plurality of reservoir sections arearranged in spaced relationship to adjacent reservoir sections with therespective volumes of medium thermal coverage having the respectiveboundaries of thermal coverage to be at least contiguous.

In accordance with a further aspect of the present disclosure, thesystem includes a working gas source in fluid communication with theworking gas reservoir and the condensation apparatus and configured toprovide working gas to the working gas reservoir in response to a changein pressure in the working gas reservoir as regulated by thecondensation apparatus.

In accordance with still yet another aspect of the present disclosure,the plurality of reservoir sections are coupled together in series or inparallel or in a combination of series and parallel arrangements.

In accordance with an additional aspect of the present disclosure, theworking gas reservoir comprises a lattice of reservoir sections.

In accordance with yet another additional aspect of the presentdisclosure, R3 is a radius of the volume of medium thermal coverage thatis determined as follows:

${R3} = \sqrt{{\frac{1}{J*\pi}*\left( {{T2} - {T1}} \right)*\frac{1}{\frac{1}{2*\pi}*\left( {\frac{1}{H1*R1} + \frac{\ln\left( \frac{R2}{R1} \right)}{K1} + \frac{1}{H2*R2}} \right)}} + {R2^{2}}}$

where:

-   -   H1=Working gas heat transfer coefficient, including boundary        layer effects (W/m²*K);    -   H2=Medium heat transfer coefficient, including boundary layer        effects (W/m²*K);    -   J=Heat generated by medium per unit volume per unit time (W/m³);    -   K1=Thermal conductivity of working gas reservoir wall material        of construction (W/m*K);    -   R1=Radius from center of reservoir section to interior of        reservoir section wall (m);    -   R2=Radius from center of reservoir section to exterior of        reservoir section wall (m);    -   R3=Radius from center of reservoir section to outside boundary        of medium thermal coverage (m);    -   T1=Temperature of working gas at a location of condensation (K);        and    -   T2=Temperature of the medium at an outer boundary of thermal        coverage (K).

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a minimumspacing between a center of adjacent reservoir sections is not less than

$\frac{2}{\sqrt{2}}*R3$

and in which R3 is a radius of the volume of medium thermal coverage.Ideally the at least one working gas reservoir is located in theinterior of the container, although the at least one working gasreservoir is located on the exterior of the container.

In accordance with the present disclosure, a method of controlling atemperature of a medium by working gas condensation is provided. Themethod includes:

-   -   providing an apparatus for controlling the temperature of the        medium by condensation of a working gas, the providing including        providing:        -   a container having an exterior and an interior;        -   at least one working gas associated with the container, at            one least working gas reservoir having at least one            reservoir section configured to hold working gas, each at            least one reservoir section having a wall with an exterior            surface structured to be thermally coupled with a volume of            the medium in the container and to provide thermal change to            the volume of the medium in the container and thereby            provide a volume of medium thermal coverage in the            container, the volume of medium thermal coverage having an            outside boundary;        -   a condensation apparatus to provide regulation of working            gas pressure in the at least one working gas reservoir; and        -   wherein the at least one working gas reservoir is configured            to form a vapor space in each of the at least one reservoir            sections in response to receiving working gas and in            response to the condensation apparatus regulation of working            gas pressure to enable working gas condensation at or near a            selected temperature of the volume of medium thermal            coverage for the volume of the medium in the container that            is thermally coupled to the respective at least one            reservoir section;    -   introducing working gas into the at least one working gas        reservoir to partially occupy the at least one reservoir section        in the at least one reservoir section; and    -   regulating working gas pressure in the at least one reservoir        section to enable working gas condensation at or near a selected        temperature of the volume of medium thermal coverage for the        volume of the medium in the container that is thermally coupled        to the respective at least one reservoir section.

In accordance with another aspect of the foregoing method, the followingsteps are included:

-   -   partitioning the medium into localized thermal volumes; and    -   thermally coupling a working gas to respective localized thermal        volumes to control a temperature of the localized thermal volume        to maintain the medium at a selected temperature.

In accordance with a further aspect of the present disclosure, thepartitioning the medium into localized thermal volumes includespositioning a working gas reservoir in physical proximity to thecontainer, with at least one working gas reservoir section associatedwith a respective localized thermal volume.

In accordance with still yet another aspect of the present disclosure,the thermally coupling comprises regulating working gas pressure in eachat least one reservoir section to maintain a temperature of therespective localized thermal volume at the selected temperature of themedium.

As will be readily appreciated from the foregoing, the presentdisclosure provides a system and method for controlling the temperatureof a medium by providing localized temperature control of the medium.While representative implementations of the present disclosure aredescribed in the context of fermentation, the system and method of thepresent disclosure will have application to both heating and cooling ofa medium in order to maintain temperature in a wide variety of mediums,and is a novel approach to engineered temperature control that adjuststo both time and spatial variances in heat requirements without the needfor advanced controls and programming. As opposed to traditionalmethods, which heat the entire system volume with maximum intensity butfor varying lengths of time, the novel approach of the presentdisclosure adjusts temperature of only those spatial areas that, forexample, require heating and with an intensity directly proportional tolocal heat loss. Cooling of the medium, then, is not accomplisheddirectly, but rather through careful regulation of the net heatrequirements of a reaction. The working gas pressure can be modulated tochange the set-point temperature of medium and the present disclosureensures that the allowable local changes in temperature never fall belowthat new set-point. Thus slow, deliberate cooling of the medium can beaffected.

Traditional systems employ hot water or steam that activate whenever ameasured set-point temperature has been exceeded. Activation iscontrolled by the local temperature near the sensing element and heatingis accomplished rapidly through the use of large temperature gradientsbetween the hot water or steam and system volume. Once a highertemperature set-point has been achieved, the heating system is thendeactivated.

This approach has two distinct disadvantages: (1) The entire systemvolume is heated based upon a local subset of conditions, and (2) theentire system volume is subjected to large temperature gradients for theduration of the heating cycle. Thus, the system contents located at adistance from the sensing element are heated regardless of need, andsystem contents can be subject to thermal heat shock. This heat shockmay be more pronounced for contents located near an external heatingjacket or internal heating coil, particularly when the system volumelacks consistent agitation or homogenization.

The present disclosure avoids these disadvantages by using a working gaslocated in shallow, horizontal tubes, and connected by a common space.The working gas is held at or close to the desired temperature of thesystem volume and its condensation is controlled such that the workinggas condenses at this same temperature. Because condensed liquid in thehorizontal tubes is removed quickly and the tube vapor spaces remainconnected, each horizontal section then condenses at approximately thesame pressure/temperature as the horizontal sections above and below.

Temperature control of the system volume is affected by control of thecondensation of the working gas. The working gas, when at itscondensation point, will release a large amount of energy per unitvolume as it changes phases to liquid but will also release this energyat constant temperature. Thus any local system volume near thehorizontal tubes is protected from falling below the condensationtemperature of the working gas therein, as long as those tubes containworking gas.

The present disclosure provides passive, continual, and continuousprotection against a decrease in system volume, set-point temperature. Atemperature sensing element is no longer required to activate theheating system, as local working gas condensation adds heat as soon asit is required and near the spatial point of requirement. Additionally,a high temperature gradient for heating is not required, as heattransfer must no longer be accomplished rapidly and across largedistances (e.g., container wall to container center). As local heatrequirement varies, the local temperature differential between thesystem volume and working gas coil also varies, and heat will be addedproportionally by a waiting mass of local working gas.

In summary, the systems and methods of the present disclosure improvesignificantly on traditional temperature control methods. The approachno longer risks unnecessarily heating the entire system volume basedupon conditions near a local, temperature sensing element or failing toactivate that heating system, when needed, based upon local conditionsnear the sensing element. The present disclosure also avoids the need tocreate large temperature gradients that may risk thermal heat shock ofsystem contents. Furthermore, controlled cooling of the medium can beaffected using the reaction's own endothermic heat requirement withoutrisk of overshoot and the possibility of thermal cold shock of systemcontents. Benefits of improved temperature control include optimizedreaction rates, reduced undesirable side-reactions, and improvedconsistency between batches for batch processes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other features and advantages of the presentdisclosure will be more readily appreciated as the same become betterunderstood from the following detailed description when taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an illustration of radial heat transfer along a length ofhorizontal lattice section in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional illustration of radial heat transfer alongthe length of horizontal lattice section of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3 is an illustration of the derivation of ideal spacing betweenlattice tubes calculated via right-angle geometry in accordance with thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional illustration of multiple cooling volumeswith minimal coverage in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional illustration of multiple cooling volumeswith partial coverage in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional illustration of multiple cooling volumeswith complete coverage in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is an illustration of a system formed in accordance with arepresentative implementation of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side elevation of a refrigerant reservoirformed in accordance with the present disclosure and positioned in theinterior of a container;

FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the refrigerant reservoir of FIG. 8 ;

FIG. 10 is an illustration of a refrigerant reservoir on the exterior ofa container in accordance with another implementation of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 11 is an illustration of a system formed in accordance with arepresentative implementation of the present disclosure in whichpressure control by zones is affected by multiple pressure regulators;

FIG. 12 is a side elevation cross-sectional illustration of arefrigerant reservoir formed in accordance with an alternativeimplementation of the apparatus of FIG. 8 ;

FIG. 13 is a pictorial representation of an alternative implementationof the present disclosure in which the coil apparatus is exterior to thecontainer;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional illustration of radial heat transfer alongthe length of a horizontal lattice section;

FIG. 15 is an illustration of an oscillatory vacuum coil and reservoirdesign in which fluid in the coils will oscillate due to pressuredifferentials in accordance with another implementation of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 16 is an illustration of a system formed in accordance with arepresentative implementation of the present disclosure in whichrefrigerant is pre-heated before refill of the refrigerant reservoirs;

FIG. 17 is an illustration of a system formed in accordance with thepresent disclosure in which a heat transfer medium is circulated throughthe reservoirs and the flow rate is varied based upon measuredtemperatures;

FIG. 18 is an illustration of radial heat transfer along a length of thehorizontal lattice section in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional illustration of radial heat transfer alongthe length of the horizontal lattice section of FIG. 18 ;

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional illustration of multiple heating volumeswith minimal coverage in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional illustration of multiple heating volumeswith partial coverage in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional illustration of multiple heating volumeswith complete coverage in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 23 is an illustration of a system formed in accordance with arepresentative implementation of the present disclosure;

FIG. 24 is an illustration of a system formed in accordance with analternative implementation of the system in FIG. 23 ;

FIG. 25 is a side-elevational illustration in cross section of a workinggas reservoir formed in accordance with the present disclosure andpositioned in the interior of a container;

FIG. 26 is a top plan view of the working gas reservoir of FIG. 25 ;

FIG. 27 is an illustration of a working gas reservoir on the exterior ofa container in accordance with another implementation of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 28 is a side elevation cross-sectional illustration of arefrigerant reservoir formed in accordance with an alternativeimplementation of the apparatus in FIG. 25 ;

FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional illustration of radial heat transfer alonga radius of a horizontal lattice section;

FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional illustration of a radial temperatureprofile for adjacent refrigerant reservoirs;

FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional illustration of a temperature profile foradjacent working gas reservoirs; and

FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional illustration of a temperature profile forthe combination of adjacent refrigerant reservoirs and working gasreservoirs.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, certain specific details are set forth inorder to provide a thorough understanding of various disclosedimplementations. However, one skilled in the relevant art will recognizethat implementations may be practiced without one or more of thesespecific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. Inother instances, well-known structures associated with tanks or vessels,refrigerant, working gas, vaporization systems and vacuum systems,condensation systems, tubing, pipes, and coils have not been shown ordescribed in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring descriptions of theimplementations. Reference to “medium” is intended to include gas,liquid, solid, as well as gel and other states. Reference to “container”is intended to include, without limitation, tanks and vessels. Inaddition, reference to “pipe” or “tube” is intended to encompassconduits of various cross-sectional geometric configurations andconduits of any length unless otherwise specified herein.

Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification andclaims which follow, the word “comprise” and variations thereof, suchas, “comprises” and “comprising” are to be construed in an open,inclusive sense, that is as “including, but not limited to.”

Reference throughout this specification to “one implementation” or “animplementation” means that a particular feature, structure orcharacteristic described in connection with the implementation isincluded in at least one implementation. Thus, the appearance of thephrases “in one implementation” or “in an implementation” in variousplaces throughout this specification are not necessarily all referringto the same implementation. Furthermore, the particular features,structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner inone or more implementations. It will be appreciated that for simplicityand clarity of illustration, where considered appropriate, referencenumerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding oranalogous elements or steps.

As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singularforms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the contentclearly dictates otherwise. It should also be noted that the term “or”is generally employed in its broadest sense, that is as meaning “and/or”unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

The headings and Abstract of the Disclosure provided herein are forconvenience only and do not interpret the scope or meaning of theimplementations.

In contrast to traditional temperature control methods, the presentdisclosure provides for both process heating and process cooling of amedium utilizing a minimum temperature gradient. While a gradient mustbe generated for successful transfer of heat in accordance with thepresent disclosure, this gradient does not need to be large due to thelow heat transfer requirements of many common processes (for example,cell cultures) and if the heat can be removed as it is generated orapplied continually. Moreover, large temperature gradients between atemperature control source and a target volume (i.e., medium) mayactually damage the medium via thermal shock near the heating or coolingsystem interface. This can occur, for example, near the interior wall ofjacketed, cell culture reactors.

Generally, the mechanical structure of some of the implementations ofthe present disclosure resembles a metal lattice work. In one aspect ofthe present disclosure, this structure is immersed in the volumerequiring temperature control. Alternatively, this lattice work can beexterior to the container holding the medium. Ideally, lattice geometry,materials of construction and refrigeration system components aredetermined as a function of the medium to be cooled. However, with agiven lattice geometry, material of construction, and working gasrefrigeration system, cooling performance of structures formed inaccordance with the present disclosure can be determined for any medium.

It is to be understood that while representative implementations of thepresent disclosure will be discussed in the context of cooling a medium,such as in the process of beer and wine fermentation, the systems andmethods of the present disclosure will have application in otherprocesses and in heating as well as cooling of various media.

The design of a lattice in accordance with the present disclosure hasthree primary aspects: (1) lattice internal dimensions, (2) latticematerial of construction, and (3) spacing between adjacent latticeparts. All lattice designs have a common headspace and horizontallyisolated sections holding volumes of liquid refrigerant. Thesecharacteristics ensure that refrigerant in each horizontal sectionevaporates at the same temperature and that there is always sufficientliquid refrigerant present to evaporate the heat generated nearby.Maintenance of liquid refrigerant height in each horizontal section isoften a function of the orientation of that section with respect togravity.

Theoretically, a lattice may be comprised of a series of horizontalsections of any shape and size, so long as those sections can storeliquid refrigerant. Practically, it is most cost-effective to use acylindrical pipe or tubing, by definition rated for the full vacuumconditions required of many refrigerants, instead of resorting to theadvanced fabrication techniques required for odd-shaped, full-vacuumrated vessels. Also, it is ideal to maintain this pipe at a maximum of70% full in order to provide sufficient surface area for liquidrefrigerant vaporization from the interior surface of the headspacewhile still holding maximum liquid refrigerant volume inside thepipe/tubing. Additionally, free headspace allows unobstructed movementof the evaporated vapor along the length of the horizontal section tothe vacuum source. The choice of lattice internal design is applicationspecific, however, particularly with respect to refrigerant choice andrefrigeration method (vacuum pump, compressor, etc.).

Theoretically, lattice material of construction is limited by therequirement that the material be mechanically compatible with the mediumto be cooled and be compatible with operating conditions of therefrigerant trapped within. Practically, the material of construction isoften determined by cleaning requirements (ex. sanitary requirements forcell cultures) and by those material thicknesses commercially available.The choice of lattice material of construction is application specific,however, and the thickness of material may be adjusted to improve heattransfer, despite the increased cost, for example.

Theoretically, spacing between adjacent lattice parts is a function ofthe medium to be cooled and its desired temperature profile and is alsoindependent of horizontal length. For example, flavor profiles of acertain wine may be best produced at a range of 5° F., from 70° F. to75° F., and spacing is then configured such that the outer latticesurface is held at 70° F. with a maximum of 75° F. to occur at thecenterline between adjacent spacings. Practically, spacing betweenlattice sections is often a function of desired material ofconstruction, welding costs, container geometry, ease of removal formaintenance, ease of cleanability, etc. An ideal spacing can bedetermined, however, by applying radial heat transfer equations to ahorizontal coil section neglecting the length of that section (seedrawings and derivations). Horizontal length, instead, is almost alwaysdetermined by the need to provide the desired lattice spacing throughthe medium to be cooled and to ensure the presence of sufficient liquidvolume of refrigerant in each horizontal section.

Use of a mathematical approach is preferred because ideal latticespacing can be determined with a series of user-defined variables. Afurther advantage is that a complete lattice structure can be designedby examining the spacing requirements for a cross section of a single,horizontal lattice element.

If, for example, sanitary requirements require a specific material ofconstruction, and the choice of refrigeration system require a certainrefrigerant, both of these criteria can be incorporated into the spacingequation. Likewise, for an existing lattice structure and refrigerationsystem, the expected temperature gradient inside the medium to be cooledcan be calculated for any medium type.

An important user-defined temperature variable is the maximum allowabletemperature difference inside the medium to be cooled. For example, if amaximum temperature gradient of 5° F. and a maximum temperature of 75°F. is desired, ideal lattice spacing can be calculated using the derivedequations described in more detail below, assuming a refrigerantvaporization temperature of 70° F. inside the lattice pipe and acenterline temperature of 75° F. in the medium between adjacentlattices.

The 5° F. value described is actually larger than the minimumtemperature gradient required for successful heat transfer, however. Inreality, this value is the total driving force required to drive heatfrom the furthest extent of medium to the location of refrigerantvaporization, a greater value than that required to drive heat only tothe outer surface of the lattice.

This larger value actually has three components: (1) the temperaturedifference to transfer heat from the centerline between lattices,through the medium to be cooled, and to the surface of the lattice; (2)the temperature difference to transfer heat from the exterior surface ofthe lattice, through the lattice mechanical structure, and to itsinterior surface; and (3) the temperature difference to transfer heatfrom the interior surface of the lattice, through the liquidrefrigerant, and to the liquid-vapor refrigerant interface whereevaporation will occur.

More particularly, for heat transfer through a target medium, themaximum allowable temperature gradient is determined by the end-user.This value varies based upon the desired properties of the medium overthe time-scale of cooling (ex. flavor profile). For a different mediumand a fixed lattice spacing, the larger the gradient value, the greaterthat medium's resistance to heat flow. An increase in effective surfacearea for heat transfer from the medium to the lattice may reduce thisgradient, however. Additional surface area may be created through theuse of fin-type structures, attached to the outer surface of thelattice, for example.

The temperature gradient across the wall of the lattice mechanicalstructure is a function of the lattice material of construction and ofits thickness. For a common lattice geometry and construction, thisgradient value is constant, regardless of the medium to be cooled.

The temperature gradient from the interior wall of the lattice to theliquid-vapor refrigerant interface is a function of the chosenrefrigerant and of the distance from the interior wall to the interface.For a known refrigerant and liquid refrigerant height inside the tube,this gradient value is constant, regardless of the medium to be cooled.Moreover, the headspace of a partially filled liquid refrigerant tubemay form a thin liquid film of evaporating refrigerant on its interiorsurface, reducing the distance required for heat to travel from apercentage of the interior surface to the liquid-vapor interface.Purposeful roughing of the interior surface may also improvevaporization heat transfer, effectively reducing the temperaturegradient required to drive an equivalent amount of heat from theinterior wall to the liquid-vapor refrigerant interface.

For a given lattice geometry, materials of construction, andrefrigeration system, a horizontal section is responsible for cooling anidentical volume of medium. However, the heat generated by that volumemay change as a function of the medium properties and thus the observedcooling performance of the lattice may change also.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 , for a given horizontal lattice section 50,the mechanical design must be capable of removing the maximum heatgenerated by a medium volume 52 surrounding that horizontal latticesection 50 that has an outside boundary 53. This volume can beapproximated by assuming a cylindrical shape surrounding the horizontallattice section 50 with a radius R3, the combination of the distancefrom lattice centerline to the tube exterior R2 and the distance fromthe lattice exterior to a centerline between adjacent lattices. Thevolume of the mechanical lattice is then subtracted from the totalvolume of the medium filled container to calculate the volume of theheat producing medium.

R1 is the inner radius of a lattice tube 54 and should be selected as afunction of the refrigeration system desired. In a batch-fill system,each horizontal lattice tube 54 will need to retain enough refrigerantmass to absorb the maximum heat generated by the surrounding medium fora given time between fills (e.g., 1 hour). In a constant refillrefrigeration system, this volume can be much smaller but is stillsubject to the criteria that sufficient refrigerant volume forvaporization remains throughout the entire horizontal length duringmaximum medium heat production.

With a value for R1 governed primarily by choice of refrigerationsystem, the horizontal length L of horizontal lattice sections 50becomes the primary variable for establishing the refrigerant holdvolume. In practice, the chosen length L per horizontal lattice section50 almost always exceeds the minimum required, as this value is chosenprimarily for structural support reasons, and to ensure that the minimumspacing requirement is satisfied throughout the medium.

Lattice geometry (spacing) varies based upon several variables,including medium, refrigerant, refrigeration method, and material ofconstruction. Ideal spacing between adjacent lattice centerlines forproduction of wine, for example, would be roughly 6 inches using alattice of 1″ OD sanitary stainless tubing, ethanol refrigerant undervacuum, and with an allowable temperature variation of 5° F. A 10° F.allowable temperature variation would increase this ideal spacing toapproximately 9 inches; a change from 1″ to 2″ OD tubing at the same 10°F. difference would further increase ideal spacing to roughly 12 inches.

Also, design consideration must be given to a pressure drop in a latticeheadspace 56 during system operation. For example, in a batch fillsystem with a vacuum pump, the pressure at an interface 58 of liquid 60and vapor refrigerant 62 will always be greater than the pressure at avacuum source. Maintaining this pressure drop at a minimum is animportant criterion of lattice design as it reduces the vacuum levelthat must be maintained at the vacuum source.

To illustrate, for 700 L of fermenting wine, a maximum liquid ethanolvaporization rate of 2 L/hr can be expected. This liquid massvaporization corresponds to approximately 5 CFM of vapor generation atan 80° F. set-point temperature. With an allowable pressure drop due tosystem geometry of only 5%, 0.75″ ID piping can be used to connect theheadspace to the vacuum source, if the equivalent length of that piping(linear length and fittings) does not exceed approximately 115 ft.

Additionally, the lattice design and mathematical methodology can beadapted for use outside a container, in place of a cooling jacket. Thismight be beneficial, particularly for small diameter vessels, as thelattice would not be in contact with the end product and thus does notrequire cleaning between batches. However, this design may only be ofpractical use if the spacing between adjacent lattices is calculatednear that of a container diameter.

An example of a mathematical derivation to determine ideal coil spacingis provided below:

V = I * RElectricalAnalogy ΔT = Q * RHeatTransferEquation$\frac{\Delta T}{L} = {\frac{Q*R}{L}{Divide}{by}{Length}{of}{Horizontal}{Section}}$$\frac{Q}{L} = {\frac{\Delta T}{R*L}{Rearrange}}$

-   -   L=Length of horizontal lattice section (m);    -   Q=Total heat transferred from medium to horizontal section per        unit time (W);    -   R=Total resistance to heat transfer across the temperature        differential per unit time (K/W); and    -   ΔT=Maximum temperature difference between medium and evaporating        refrigerant (K).

ΔT = T2 − T1TemperatureDifferential(K)$R = {\left( {\frac{1}{H1*A1} + \frac{\ln\left( \frac{R2}{R1} \right)}{2*\pi*L*K1} + \frac{1}{H2*A2}} \right)\begin{matrix}{{Resistance}{to}} \\\begin{matrix}{{Heat}{Transfer}} \\\left( {K/W} \right)\end{matrix}\end{matrix}}$$R = {\frac{1}{2*\pi*L}*\left( {\frac{1}{H1*R1} + \frac{\ln\left( \frac{R2}{R1} \right)}{K1} + \frac{1}{H2*R2}} \right){Substituting}}$${{R*L} = {\frac{1}{2*\pi}*\left( {\frac{1}{H1*R1} + \frac{\ln\left( \frac{R2}{R1} \right)}{K1} + \frac{1}{H2*R2}} \right)}}\begin{matrix}\begin{matrix}{{Resistance}{{to}{Heat}}} \\{{Transfer}{Across}}\end{matrix} \\{{Length}\left( {K*m/W} \right)}\end{matrix}$$Q = {J*\left( {{\pi*R3^{2}*L} - {\pi*R2^{2}*L}} \right)\begin{matrix}\begin{matrix}{{Heat}{Generated}{by}{Medium}} \\{{per}{Unit}{Time}{for}a}\end{matrix} \\{{Horizontal}{Section}(W)}\end{matrix}}$$\frac{Q}{L} = {J*\pi*\left( {{R3^{2}} - {R2^{2}}} \right)\begin{matrix}\begin{matrix}{{Heat}{Generated}{by}{Medium}} \\{{per}{Length}{of}{Horizontal}}\end{matrix} \\{{Section}{per}{Unit}{Time}\left( {W/m} \right)}\end{matrix}}$

-   -   A2=Surface area of exterior wall of horizontal lattice section        (m²);    -   H1=Refrigerant heat transfer coefficient, including boundary        layer effects (W/m²*K);    -   H2=Medium heat transfer coefficient, including boundary layer        effects (W/m²*K);    -   J=Maximum heat generated by medium per unit volume per unit time        (W/m³);    -   K1=Thermal conductivity of lattice material of construction        (W/m*K);    -   R1=Radius from center of horizontal lattice section to inside of        lattice wall (m);    -   R2=Radius from center of horizontal lattice section to outside        of lattice wall (m);    -   R3=Radius from center of horizontal lattice section to outside        of medium volume (m);    -   T1=Temperature at liquid-vapor refrigerant interface (K); and    -   T2=Temperature of medium at outer edge of medium volume (K).

${{\frac{Q}{L}*\left( {R*L} \right)} - {\Delta T}} = {0{}\begin{matrix}{{The}{Rearranged}{Heat}{Transfer}} \\{{Equation}{Set}{Equal}{to}{Zero}}\end{matrix}}$${{J*\pi*\left( {{R3^{2}} - {R2^{2}}} \right)*\frac{1}{2*\pi}*\text{ }\left( {\frac{1}{H1*R1} + \frac{\ln\left( \frac{R2}{R1} \right)}{K1} + \frac{1}{H2*R2}} \right)} - \left( {{T2} - {T1}} \right)} = {0{Substituting}}$${R3} = \text{⁠}{\sqrt{\begin{matrix}{\frac{1}{J*\pi}*\left( {{T2} - {T1}} \right)*} \\{\frac{1}{\frac{1}{2*\pi}*\left( {\frac{1}{H1*R1} + \frac{\ln\left( \frac{R2}{R1} \right)}{K1} + \frac{1}{H2*R2}} \right)} + {R2^{2}}}\end{matrix}}\begin{matrix}{Setting} \\{Equal} \\{{to}R3}\end{matrix}}$

This equation can be solved for value R3, given user-defined values forall other variables. User-defined values can originate from publishedliterature, previous design experience, allowable temperature variationin the medium, commercially available pipe/tubing sizes and thicknesses,etc. Note that this mathematical analysis is independent of the lengthof the horizontal section.

With a known value for R3, the ideal spacing between tubes is calculatedvia right-angle geometry. The derivation of this equation is as shown inFIG. 3 Note that in this example, the variable R3 is equal to the sum ofa+b+c, where “a” is the lattice pipe outer radius, “b” the distancebetween the lattice tube and a small clump of yeast cells, and “c” theradius of that clump. Total spacing between lattice tube centerlines isequal to

$\frac{2}{\sqrt{2}}*R{3.}$

Also, this method assumes significant overlap of the radial coolingvolumes between adjacent lattice sections such that that no part of themedium volume can exceed the maximum temperature differential specified.

As shown in FIGS. 4-6 , alternative geometric configurations canincrease spacing between lattice sections, however, some part of themedium then may exceed the design temperature range due to insufficientcooling. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional illustration of multiple coolingvolumes with minimal coverage, FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional illustrationof multiple cooling volumes with partial coverage, and FIG. 6 is across-sectional illustration of multiple cooling volumes with completecoverage.

FIG. 7 illustrates a system 70 to control the temperature of a medium 72by refrigerant vaporization. In this representative implementation thesystem includes a container 74 having an exterior 76 and an interior 77.At least one a refrigerant reservoir 78 is associated with the container74, the refrigerant reservoir 78 includes at least one reservoir section80 structured to hold refrigerant 82 in an internal reservoir space 83.In this implementation there are a plurality of reservoir sections 80 asshown more clearly in FIGS. 8 and 9 , each reservoir section 80 having awall 84 with an exterior surface 86 structured to be thermally coupledwith a volume of the medium in the container 74 and to provide thermalchange to the volume of the medium in the container 74 and therebyprovide a volume of medium thermal coverage 52 in the container asdescribed above in connection with FIGS. 1-6 and to be described morefully below.

Each of the reservoir sections 80 has its respective internal reservoirspace 83 in fluid communication with at least one other internalreservoir space 83 of an adjacent reservoir section 80, and theplurality of reservoir sections 80 are arranged in spaced relationshipto adjacent reservoir sections 80 with the respective volumes of mediumthermal coverage 52 having the respective boundaries of thermal coverageto be at least contiguous.

The system 70 further includes a vapor pressure apparatus 88 to provideregulation of refrigerant vapor pressure in the reservoir sections 80.The reservoir sections 80 are each configured to form a vapor space 90in each reservoir section 80 in response to receiving refrigerant 82 andin response to the vapor pressure apparatus 88 regulation of vaporpressure above the refrigerant 82 to enable refrigerant vaporization ator near a selected temperature of the volume of medium thermal coverage52 for the volume of the medium 72 in the container 74 that is thermallycoupled to the respective reservoir section 80.

It is to be understood that the vapor pressure apparatus 88 can beimplemented with readily available commercial equipment and hence willnot be described in detail herein. Briefly, the vapor pressure apparatus88 includes a vacuum pump 92 in fluid communication with the refrigerantreservoir 78. Ideally, a pressure regulator 94 is positioned between thevacuum pump 92 and the refrigerant reservoir 78. Control of the vacuumpump 92 can be performed manually or, more preferably, by automatedcontrols that utilize sensors and a computer processor to processsignals from the sensors and transmit control signals to the vacuum pumpin response to the sensor signals.

In the implementation of FIG. 7 , a condenser 96 is provided to condensea refrigerant, such as ethanol. The condenser 96 is in fluidcommunication with the refrigerant reservoir 78 to provide either acontinuous or continual supply of refrigerant to the refrigerantreservoir 78. A chilled water tank 98 is coupled to the condenser 96 viaa water pump 100 for fluid communication of water.

A refrigerant source, such as a refrigerant tank 102, is in fluidcommunication with the refrigerant reservoir 78 and the vapor pressureapparatus 88 and is configured to provide refrigerant 82 to therefrigerant reservoir 78 in response to a change in vapor pressure inthe refrigerant reservoir 78 as regulated by the vapor pressureapparatus 88. The condenser 96 is also in fluid communication with therefrigerant tank 102 via a vent solenoid 104. In turn, the refrigeranttank 102 is coupled to the refrigerant reservoir 78 to supplyrefrigerant to the refrigerant reservoir 78 via a refrigerant pump 106and in parallel with a drain solenoid 108. An isolation solenoid 110 ispositioned between the refrigerant reservoir 78 and the parallelconnection of the refrigerant pump 106 and the drain solenoid 108. Theelement LT is a level transmitter that senses and transmits anindication of the volume of refrigerant in the refrigerant tank 102. Theelement PT is a pressure transmitter that senses and communications anindication of the vapor pressure of the refrigerant in the vapor space.

In the implementation of FIG. 7 , the refrigerant reservoir 78 isautomatically refilled at regular intervals via the refrigerant pump 106to replenish refrigerant 82 that has evaporated in order to providetemperature control of the medium 72. The vent solenoid 104 recoversrefrigerant from the condenser 106 to the refrigerant tank 102. The ventsolenoid 104 also provides a closed-loop path from the refrigerant pump106 to the refrigerant tank 102 ensuring that the internal reservoirspace 83 is completely filled with refrigerant 82. The drain solenoid108 functions to remove excess refrigerant 82 from the refrigerantreservoir 78 to the refrigerant tank 102 via gravity, creating the vaporspace 90.

As shown in FIG. 8 , the refrigerant reservoir 78 in one implementationhas a manifold 112 coupled to each of the reservoir sections 80 toprovide fluid communication to an air vent line 114 and to a combinationfill, drain, and vacuum line 116, which allows for system refrigerantfill and refrigerant drain, and system connection to the vacuum pump 92.The plurality of reservoir sections 80 may be coupled together in seriesor in parallel or in a combination of series and parallel arrangements.The refrigerant reservoir 78 in one implementation comprises a latticeof reservoir sections 80. Each reservoir section 80 is held in place bya vertical support 93 as is the manifold 112. Each reservoir section 80includes at least one weir 117 in the respective reservoir section, withthe weir 117 sized and shaped to divide the reservoir section into thevapor space 90 and a space for refrigerant 82. In this implementation,the weir 117 is a bent section of the tube or coil that forms thereservoir section 80, and the weir 117 includes a first wall 119 thatangles upward to meet a second wall 121 that angles downward and form anapex 123. The apex 123 acts as a dam for the refrigerant 82, and itsheight in the reservoir section 80 determines how much refrigerant 82will be retained in that reservoir section 80.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, therefrigerant reservoir 78 may be located on the exterior of the container74, which is shown in FIG. 10 .

In operation, refrigerant 82 is introduced into the refrigerantreservoir 78 to partially occupy the reservoir sections 80 and form avapor space 90 above the refrigerant 82 in the internal reservoir space83 of each reservoir section 80. The vapor pressure above therefrigerant 82 in the refrigerant reservoir 78 is regulated to enablerefrigerant vaporization at or near a selected temperature of the volumeof medium thermal coverage 52 for the volume of the medium 72 in thecontainer 74 that is thermally coupled to the respective reservoirsection.

System operation requires that the refrigerant vaporize at a uniform or,preferably, an identical temperature throughout the coil. Also, a liquidrefrigerant volume must be maintained throughout the coil, sufficient toremove via vaporization the heat generated by the medium. Properorientation of the coil with respect to gravity ensures that the volumeof liquid refrigerant therein matches the design intent of the coilweirs and dams. The coil metallurgy must be selected so as not toadversely affect the quality of the medium to be cooled, and the coilshould be cleaned between uses to avoid possible contamination of thenew medium to be cooled. Refrigerant vapor pressure should provide forrefrigerant vaporization at or as close as possible to the desiredtemperature of the medium to be cooled, so as to avoid possible thermalshock of the medium.

In a batch type system with vacuum pump, the coil must be properlyoriented with respect to gravity, filled with liquid refrigerant,drained to create a common headspace connecting the horizontal sections,and isolated to allow creation of a common vapor pressure space aboveall remaining liquid refrigerant inside. The vacuum pump is activatedand a vacuum regulator allows adjustment of the refrigerant vaporpressure to match the desired heat removal profile for a given medium.The time between liquid refrigerant refills should be kept to a maximum,as during the refill sequence, the coil is unable to provide cooling.However, the time between refills must also be frequent enough to ensurethat sufficient liquid refrigerant remains present in all sections ofthe coil so as to provide the desired volume of medium thermal coverage.Selection of refrigerant vapor pressure and time between refills is afunction of the heat production profile of the medium to be cooled withrespect to time. Ideally, during refill, the temperature of fresh liquidrefrigerant should be at or near the desired set-point temperature ofthe medium to be cooled so as to avoid thermal shock of the medium.

In a continuous style system with traditional refrigerant compressor,proper orientation of the coil with respect to gravity ensures optimalsystem performance, as the refrigerant liquid volumes are thenmaintained at design in each horizontal section. The common vaporheadspace is then likewise maintained at design. Compressor performancemust also be monitored relative to the heat production profile of themedium with respect to time. Most importantly, the compressor must becapable of continued operation at variable flowrates of vaporrefrigerant and throughout the desired range of refrigerant vaporpressures. Cell cultures, for example, can vary in heat production rateas a function of both time and batch number. System monitoring must besufficiently robust to adjust system operation to unexpected swings inprocess variables without risk of damage to the compressor andassociated components.

Refrigerant selection is a function of the heat production profile andoptimal production temperature of the medium to be cooled relative tothe choice of cooling equipment. For example, in a batch style systemwith vacuum pump and ethanol refrigerant, it is difficult to maintainoperating pressures below 0.15 psia (pounds per square inch absolute)due to the pressure drop between the vacuum source and the coil duringsystem operation. However, 0.15 psia corresponds to an ethanolrefrigerant vaporization temperature of approximately 40° F., thus thevacuum pump and ethanol refrigerant combination is best suited for thoseapplications which maintain the medium to be cooled at or above 40° F.After installation, pressure drop between the vacuum source and the coilmust again be calculated as a function of system geometry to ensure thatthe selected refrigerant will vaporize at the desired temperature toallow for successful system operation. Operationally, the refrigerantvapor pressure corresponds to the refrigerant vaporization temperature.The objective is to control the vapor pressure of the refrigerant in thecoil at a specific vaporization temperature, at or near that of theset-point temperature of the medium to be cooled.

For fermentation of wine, common maximum allowable temperature rangesare 64-77° F. for red wines and 50-59° F. for whites. Assuming anethanol refrigerant and vacuum pump combination, these temperatureranges correspond to vapor pressures of approximately 0.232-0.288 psiafor red wines and 0.184-0.213 psia for white wines. Assuming an R-134arefrigerant and compressor combination, these temperature rangescorrespond to vapor pressures of approximately 77.10-96.11 psia for redwines and 59.98-70.61 psia for white wines.

For fermentation of beer, common maximum allowable temperature rangesare 60-70° F. for ales and 45-55° F. for lagers. Assuming an ethanolrefrigerant and vacuum pump combination, these temperature rangescorrespond to vapor pressures of approximately 0.217-0.256 psia for alesand 0.169-0.200 psia for lagers. Assuming an R-134a refrigerant andcompressor combination, these temperature ranges correspond to vaporpressures of approximately 71.87-85.48 psia for ales and 54.62-65.72psia for lagers.

The system must also provide cooling for the duration of thefermentation cycle. For primary fermentation of both red and whitewines, 3-5 days is commonly required. For primary fermentation of beer,1-2 weeks is commonly required for ales and 1-2 months is commonlyrequired for lagers.

It will be appreciated that the present disclosure can be implemented invarious systems, apparatus, and devices for a number of applications.These include, without limitation:

-   -   1. Artificial generation of convective currents to promote        thermosiphon agitation/homogenization of the medium via        vaporizing refrigerant held at different pressures.    -   2. Use of vaporizing refrigerant to indicate the spatial        location of heat transfer.    -   3. Use of a buffer cooling fluid to improve the consistency of        heat transfer, where the buffer fluid is in thermal contact with        both the refrigerant reservoir and the medium.    -   4. Generation of currents inside the vaporizing refrigerant to        improve heat transfer by variation of vapor pressure.    -   5. Pre-heat of the refrigerant, before supply to the        vaporization apparatus, to provide heating of the medium such        that both heating and vaporization cooling can be affected by        the same refrigerant vaporization apparatus.    -   6. Use of a heat transfer medium, without condensation or        vaporization, to approximate the functionality of a condensing        working gas or a vaporizing refrigerant, via monitoring of the        change in heat transfer fluid temperature between the supply        from and return to the spaced apparatus.    -   7. Use of a condensing working gas to create localized thermal        volumes for heating of a medium, where coil spacing is governed        by the same principles and equations as for a vaporizing        refrigerant.    -   8. Use of an intermediate medium, such as a plastic, metal, gel,        or coating, exterior to the surface of the working gas reservoir        or refrigerant reservoir, where the intermediate medium is in        contact with both the surface of the working gas reservoir or        refrigerant reservoir and the medium.    -   9. The combination of working gas reservoirs and refrigerant        reservoirs to provide simultaneous heating and cooling of the        medium.    -   10. Utilization of working gas condensation apparatuses and        refrigerant vaporization apparatuses inside agitated tanks.

Each of these implementations is described in more detail below and inconnection with the accompanying figures.

1. Artificial Generation of Convective Currents to Promote ThermosiphonAgitation/Homogenization of the Medium Via a Condensing Working Gas or aVaporizing Refrigerant Held at Different Pressures

As shown in FIG. 11 , a system 120 is shown having multiple verticallyarranged coil sections 122 within a container 124. The control of thedifferent vertical coil sections 122 at different vacuum pressures isaccomplished by using regulators 126 and pressure sensors (not shown),which may be manual or automatic, and which are coupled to a vacuum pump128. They can be used to alter current flows inside the medium in thecontainer 124, such as beer, improving heat transfer from the beer tothe coil surface. They can also be used to control agitation of the beerthrough a thermo-siphon effect.

An electronic controller 130 that is coupled to the sensors, pressureregulators 126, and vacuum pump 128. The construction of the electroniccontroller 130 is within the ability of those of ordinary skill in thistechnology and will not be described in detail herein. Briefly, anon-site hard wired controller or a remote wireless controller, such asan app on a portable computing or portable communication device, such asa cell phone, tablet, and the like is provided to communicate with thecomponents to monitor conditions and provide control signals thereto.Controlled agitation is important in fermentation, transfer, and storageand the pressures may be either fixed or cycled and automated controland maintenance of head space pressure for the cooling medium can beregulated. A single, pressure control set-point is possible for allreservoir head space via a pressure transmitter measuring head spacepressure and electronic communication with the vacuum source. Thereservoir head space may also be divided into sections, such thatseparate portions of the cooling medium reservoir can be controlled indifferent zones at differing pressures.

In accordance with one aspect, thermo-siphon agitation can be utilizedfor homogenization during fermentation and to maintain thishomogenization during the lager aging phase (during and after the coldcrash to near 32° F.). Thermo-siphon agitation may be optimized tocontrol strong wort movement during fermentation, increasing the contactefficiency between yeast and wort.

The reservoir of the heat exchanger is in fluid communication with acooling medium supply and vacuum source such that the cooling mediumfills the reservoir leaving a selected amount of head space. Thereservoir is also in fluid communication with the vacuum source forpulling a vacuum of a desired level in the reservoir head space,providing for a controlled vacuum vaporization at a low temperature ator near that of the medium (such as beer). Assuming an ethanolrefrigerant, the vacuum level would be between 0.169 psi and 0.200 psifor lagers, equivalent to a fermentation temperature of 45° F.-55° F.,and between 0.248 psi and 0.265 psi for ales, equivalent to afermentation temperature of 68° F.-72° F. In addition, an indication ofhead space pressure can be provided such that vaporization of thecooling medium is detected and displayed, indicating thermal activityinside the medium.

In accordance with a further aspect of the present disclosure, a coolingcoil is utilized for the interior bottom of the fermentation tank,replacing a second cooling jacket used for aging of lagers. This coolingcoil improves homogenization by preventing beer separation due togravity, density, or temperature differences, or any combination of theforgoing, when yeasts are predominately dormant or not producing the CO₂required for natural agitation. The coil may also be used for heating ofthe interior bottom of the fermentation tank if the vaporizingrefrigerant is replaced, instead, with a condensing working gas.

The temperature set-point of the coil can be varied during thefermentation cycle, including cold crashing of beer, and is often adifferent value than the desired temperature of the fermentation tank orthe temperature set-point of the elevated cooling jacket. Thisdifference creates thermal gradients inside the tank, with the size ofthe gradient determined by the desired radius and temperature differenceof the localized thermal volume surrounding the heating or cooling coil.These gradients, in turn, help to create movement of the medium throughexploitation of the density differences of beer as a function of itslocal temperature—as a general principle, less dense, warmer fluid risesand more-dense, cooler fluid falls in the presence of gravity.

FIG. 12 , which is described in more detail below, illustrates anotheraspect of the present disclosure, as cooling coil sections may be heldat different vapor pressures without the use of multiple pressureregulators and with utilization of only a single vacuum source. Instead,the configuration of vertical piping 170 connecting the coil sections isvaried to create a deliberate pressure drop between reservoirs. A longerpipe length or the addition of pipe fittings creates greater resistanceto flow for the vaporizing refrigerant as it moves from a givenrefrigerant reservoir to the vacuum source. This resistance, in turn,creates different vapor pressures in the horizontal coil sections.

FIG. 12 illustrates an alternative implementation of the apparatus ofFIG. 8 where refrigerant vapor streams are routed via vertical piping170 to be brought together for collection above and outside the vesselor container. The diameter of the vertical piping 170 that routes thevapor streams can be smaller than the diameter of the horizontal tubesthat form the respective reservoir sections 80, which increases thevelocity of escaping refrigerant vapor streams. This helps to avoidcondensation in the vertical piping 170, which would prevent vaporizedrefrigerant from escaping the cooling coil. In addition, there are filland drain lines 171 that connect each manifold 112 to the commonrefrigerant fill and drain line 116. The orientation of the piping thatforms the fill and drain lines 171 can be varied based upon the desiredlevel of refrigerant 82 to be held in each manifold 112 after systemdrain.

For example, the addition of one 90 degree elbow in the piping betweenhorizontal coil sections creates an added pressure drop of 0.0081 psi,assuming an ethanol refrigerant flow rate of 10 CFM at 0.3 psi and 38.7degrees F. inside 4 ft long, 0.25 in diameter tubing. This pressure dropis equivalent to an approximate 0.8 degrees ° F. change in vaporizationtemperature inside the adjacent horizontal coils. A similar mechanicalarrangement can be used to generate a pressure differential betweenhorizontal sections of a heating coil utilizing a condensing workinggas.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, coolingcoil sections are held at a common vapor pressure using a singlepressure regulator and a common vacuum source. However, the horizontalcoil sections contain different types of refrigerant, with theserefrigerants selected to vaporize at different temperatures and at acommon vapor pressure. During operation, the flow of refrigerant vaporleaving the coil is, thus, multi-component and recovery is affectedusing a condenser and decanter, upstream of the vacuum pump. Afterdecanting, refrigerant is returned to the designated horizontal coils byseparate pumps, each designated for one type of condensed refrigerant. Asimilar mechanical configuration can be used for different types ofcondensing working gasses.

2. Use of a Condensing Working Gas or a Vaporizing Refrigerant toIndicate the Spatial Location of Heat Transfer

In accordance with another aspect or implementation of the presentdisclosure, a temperature probe or site-glass, pressure, and vacuumgauge or other instrument is used to view or determine the condensingrate or vaporization rate of the fluid in the conduit. The vaporizationrate is indicated by increased motion of the liquid refrigerant or bybubbles that form on the interior surface of the temperature controlconduit or heat exchanger. These bubbles first form on the surface ofthe refrigerant reservoir, and then eventually detach and move upwardstoward the head space. An operator, such as a brewer, can use thesite-glasses or instruments to view the vaporization process and havevisual or instrument-supplemented data to determine where heat is beinggenerated by observing where the fluid motion occurs or where bubblesare being formed. The condensing rate is indicated by the presence ofliquid due to condensation of a working gas.

Some brewers turn off their cooling systems because they have noaccurate way of protecting against local thermal events only and do notwant to risk thermal shock of the entire batch via activation of thecooling jacket. The present disclosure can also provide continuedindication of local heat production through the unexpected presence ofrefrigerant at the vacuum pump or compressor. For example, indicationmay be used to signal the brewer to take corrective action tore-homogenize the tank. Similarly, the unexpected presence of acondensed working gas at the outlet of a heating coil indicates that afermentation requires additional heat input to maintain temperature.

Additionally, the generation of localized thermal volumes surroundingworking gas reservoirs or refrigerant reservoirs can provide usefulinformation for troubleshooting of tank or vessel operating conditions.For example, if a vaporization apparatus is placed inside a tank orvessel and the apparatus thermal volumes are configured to allow atemperature differential of no more than 5 F from set-point, thepresence of vaporized refrigerant indicates that at least some portionof the tank or vessel internal volume exceeds that temperaturedifferential. This information is useful as it indicates thatmodifications to agitation speed, agitator type, baffle location, etc.,should be affected to maintain the tank or vessel operating temperatureat or below the desired set-point temperature.

In accordance with one aspect of the disclosure, working gas reservoirsor refrigerant reservoirs with site-glasses are placed in contact withthe exterior of a tank or vessel. For a cooling coil, the visualobservation of liquid refrigerant movement and bubble formation providesan indication of local heat transfer from the medium to the refrigerant.The relative magnitude of local heat transfer is illustrated by visualcomparison of liquid refrigerant movement and bubble formation betweenhorizontal sections. A similar comparison can be affected for workinggas condensation by which the gas is visually observed condensing from avapor to a liquid.

In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure a refrigerantvaporization apparatus can be configured with condensers mounted on theoutlet lines of each horizontal reservoir section and between thatsection and a common vacuum source. During system operation, the liquidlevel in these condensers can be monitored. With known values for thesize of the condenser and the density and latent heat of vaporizationfor a given refrigerant, a quantitative value for the heat transfer fromthe medium to each refrigerant coil section can be calculated.

For example, assuming an upright, cylindrical condenser of 12 in.diameter, a 1 in. change in level is equivalent to approximately 0.21lb. of Ethanol. This equates to approximately 76 BTU's of heattransferred from the medium to the refrigerant reservoir. This samecalculation can be used for a working gas condensation apparatus. Inthis instance, the volume of condensed liquid present in at each trapcorresponds directly to the heat released from a reservoir to themedium.

In accordance with a further aspect of this disclosure is a refrigerantvaporization apparatus with pressure transmitters mounted on the outletlines of each horizontal reservoir section. The sections are isolatablefrom the vacuum source via automated valves and, upon isolation, anincrease in the horizontal section refrigerant vapor pressure indicateslocalized heat generation near that section. For an isolated workinggas, a decrease in the horizontal section refrigerant vapor pressureindicates that the medium near that section required heat addition.

3. Use of a Buffer Medium to Improve the Consistency of Heat Transfer,where the Buffer Medium is in Thermal Contact with Both the Working GasReservoir or the Refrigerant Reservoir and the Medium

FIG. 13 shows a system 132 employing a coil or series of connected coils134 mounted on the exterior 136 of a container 138, such as a jacketedfermenter tank. A medium 140 is contained within the container 138. Inthis implementation, the coils 134 attached to the exterior 136 of thecontainer 138 provide contact between a buffer medium and both thecontainer 138 and the medium 140 in the container 138.

Sequentially, for a cooling coil, heat is conducted first from themedium to the wall of the tank or vessel, then through the wall to thebuffer medium, then from the buffer medium to wall of the coil, andfinally through the coil wall to the refrigerant. For a heating coil,this heat transfer process is reversed with heat flow beginning at theworking gas and ending at the medium. Quantitatively, the coil spacingequation is modified to account for the added resistance of both thebuffer medium and the buffer medium's enclosing surface:

V = I * RElectricalAnalogy ΔT = Q * RHeatTransferEquation$\frac{\Delta T}{L} = {\frac{Q*R}{L}{Divide}{by}{Length}{of}{Horizontal}{Section}}$$\frac{Q}{L} = {\frac{\Delta T}{R*L}{Rearrange}}$

-   -   L=Length of horizontal lattice section (m);    -   Q=Total heat transferred from medium to horizontal section per        unit time (W);    -   R=Total resistance to heat transfer across the temperature        differential per unit time (K/W); and    -   ΔT=Maximum temperature difference between medium and condensing        working gas or vaporizing refrigerant (K).

ΔT = T2 − T1TemperatureDifferential(K)$R = {\left( {\frac{1}{H1*A1} + \frac{\ln\left( \frac{R2}{R1} \right)}{2*\pi*L*K1} + \frac{\ln\left( \frac{R4}{R2} \right)}{2*\pi*L*K2} + \text{ }\frac{\ln\left( \frac{R5}{R4} \right)}{2*\pi*L*K3} + \frac{1}{H2*A5}} \right)\begin{matrix}{{Resistance}{to}} \\\begin{matrix}{{Heat}{Transfer}} \\\left( {K/W} \right)\end{matrix}\end{matrix}}$$R = {\frac{1}{2*\pi*L}*\left( {\frac{1}{H1*R1} + \frac{\ln\left( \frac{R2}{R1} \right)}{K1} + \text{ }\frac{\ln\left( \frac{R4}{R2} \right)}{K2} + \frac{\ln\left( \frac{R5}{R4} \right)}{K3} + \frac{1}{H2*R5}} \right){Substituting}}$${R*L} = {\frac{1}{2*\pi}*\left( {\frac{1}{H1*R1} + \frac{\ln\left( \frac{R2}{R1} \right)}{K1} + \text{ }\frac{\ln\left( \frac{R4}{R2} \right)}{K2} + \frac{\ln\left( \frac{R5}{R4} \right)}{K3} + \frac{1}{H2*R5}} \right)\begin{matrix}\begin{matrix}{{Resistance}{{to}{Heat}}} \\{{Transfer}{Across}}\end{matrix} \\{{Length}\left( {K*m/W} \right)}\end{matrix}}$$Q = {J*\left( {{\pi*R3^{2}*L} - {\pi*R5^{2}*L}} \right)\begin{matrix}\begin{matrix}{{Heat}{Generated}{by}{Medium}} \\{{per}{Unit}{Time}{for}a}\end{matrix} \\{{Horizontal}{Section}(W)}\end{matrix}}$$\frac{Q}{L} = {J*\pi*\left( {{R3^{2}} - {R5^{2}}} \right)\begin{matrix}\begin{matrix}{{Heat}{Generated}{by}{Medium}} \\{{per}{Length}{of}{Horizontal}}\end{matrix} \\{{Section}{per}{Unit}{Time}\left( {W/m} \right)}\end{matrix}}$

-   -   A5=Surface area of exterior wall of the buffer medium enclosing        surface (m²)    -   H1=Working gas or refrigerant heat transfer coefficient,        including boundary layer effects (W/m²*K);    -   H2=Medium heat transfer coefficient, including boundary layer        effects (W/m²*K);    -   J=Maximum heat generated or lost by medium per unit volume per        unit time (W/m³);    -   K1=Thermal conductivity of lattice material of construction        (W/m*K);    -   K2=Thermal conductivity of buffer medium (W/m*K);    -   K3=Thermal conductivity of buffer medium enclosing surface        material of construction (W/m*K);    -   R1=Radius from center of horizontal lattice section to inside of        lattice wall (m);    -   R2=Radius from center of horizontal lattice section to outside        of lattice wall (m);    -   R3=Radius from center of horizontal lattice section to outside        of medium volume (m);    -   R4=Radius from center of horizontal lattice section to outside        of buffer medium (m);    -   R5=Radius from center of horizontal lattice section to outside        of buffer medium enclosing surface (m);    -   T1=Temperature at working gas or liquid-vapor refrigerant        interface (K); and    -   T2=Temperature of medium at outer edge of medium volume (K).

${{\frac{Q}{L}*\left( {R*L} \right)} - {\Delta T}} = {0{}\begin{matrix}{{The}{Rearranged}{Heat}{Transfer}} \\{{Equation}{Set}{Equal}{to}{Zero}}\end{matrix}}$${{J*\pi*\left( {{R3^{2}} - {R5^{2}}} \right)*\frac{1}{2*\pi}*\left( {\frac{1}{H1*R1} + \frac{\ln\left( \frac{R2}{R1} \right)}{K1} + \frac{\ln\left( \frac{R4}{R2} \right)}{K2} + \frac{\ln\left( \frac{R5}{R4} \right)}{K3} + \frac{1}{H2*R5}} \right)} - \text{ }\left( {{T2} - {T1}} \right)} = {0{Substituting}}$${R3} = \text{⁠}{\sqrt{\begin{matrix}{\frac{1}{J*\pi}*\left( {{T2} - {T1}} \right)*} \\{\frac{1}{\begin{matrix}{\frac{1}{2*\pi}*\left( {\frac{1}{H1*R1} + \frac{\ln\left( \frac{R2}{R1} \right)}{K1} +} \right.} \\\left. {\frac{\ln\left( \frac{R4}{R2} \right)}{K2} + \frac{\ln\left( \frac{R5}{R4} \right)}{K3} + \frac{1}{H2*R5}} \right)\end{matrix}} + {R5^{2}}}\end{matrix}}\begin{matrix}{Setting} \\{Equal} \\{{to}R3}\end{matrix}}$

Note that the resistance to heat transfer of the buffer medium iscalculated using its thermal conductivity, K2 and the inner radius andouter radius of the buffer medium, R2 and R4, respectively. It may beconsidered that the buffer medium is a moving fluid, such as water inthe turbulent regime. In this instance, use of the buffer medium heattransfer coefficient H with units of W/m²K may be more appropriate, withthis value accounting for boundary layer effects at both the coil outersurface and the inner surface of the buffer enclosure. For simplicity ofthe derivation, these effects have been combined into the value of K2,with units of W/m*K per unit length of horizontal section.

Referring to FIG. 14 , for a given horizontal lattice section, themechanical design must be capable of the desired heat transfer rate,subject to the added thermal resistances. When a working gas reservoiror refrigerant reservoir is placed external to a tank or vessel, the airbetween adjacent coils may be considered the buffer medium and the tankor vessel wall the buffer medium enclosing surface. Ideally, however, abuffer medium will transport heat with minimal resistance and is of amaterial of construction favorable to the desired heat transfer rate.The material of construction of the buffer medium enclosure must becompatible with the medium as well.

The buffer medium may also act to extend the radius of the localizedthermal volume, reducing the temperature gradient between adjacentworking gas or refrigerant coils. This is useful for fermentation tanks,where it is desirable to hold a constant temperature across the profileof the tank exterior, such as to provide a constant temperatureenvironment at the outer boundary of the medium and to help preventthermal shock due to activation of the temperature control system.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, theapparatus shown in FIG. 13 may be placed inside the tank or vessel. Inthis instance, the buffer medium is in thermal contact with both theworking fluid or refrigerant coils and the medium. The localized thermalvolumes exterior to the reservoirs are then extended beyond the thermalvolumes normally created if the coils were submerged without the buffermedium and its enclosure.

For example, if 1 in. inner diameter, 1.15 in. outer diameter stainlesssteel, ethanol refrigerant vaporization coils are submerged in a tank orvessel with a coil centerline to centerline spacing is approximately8.75 in., the calculated temperature gradient at the midpoint betweenadjacent coils is approximately 8 degrees F. If the coil centerlinespacing is maintained, but an aluminum buffer medium is used with astainless steel, buffer medium enclosure of 1.5 in. inner diameter,1.625 in. outer diameter, the calculated temperature gradient at themidpoint between adjacent coils decreases to approximately 6.35 degreesF.

4. Generation of Currents Inside the Vaporizing Refrigerant to ImproveHeat Transfer by Variation of Vapor Pressure

In accordance with still yet a further aspect of the present disclosure,the cooling coil mechanical design provides for agitation of coolingfluid inside the cooling coil tubes themselves, further improving heattransfer from the cooling liquid in the coil to the vapor interface.Agitation results from the mechanical design, by which a commonrefrigerant vapor space is linked to at least two ends of a liquidrefrigerant filled coil. As the liquid refrigerant vaporizes due tovacuum, the vapor generated moves toward the common vapor space, andthis movement causes agitation of the refrigerant liquid volume betweenthe vapor source and common headspace. However, because the liquidrefrigerant volume is connected to a common headspace at more than onelocation, vapor generation causes part of the liquid volume to move in adirection opposite that of which the vapor is traveling, and thisportion of liquid can move to fill part of the common headspace. Theresult is that part of the liquid refrigerant in the coil then movesrelative to the coil interior surface. Liquid refrigerant movementpromotes uptake of refrigerant vapor, generated on the interior surfaceof the coil, into the refrigerant liquid, and thereby improves heattransfer from the medium external to the coil to the refrigerantcontained therein. For example, assuming an ethanol refrigerant, avacuum level between 0.248 psi and 0.265 psi would be required,equivalent to a fermentation temperature of 68° F.-72° F. for beer ales.

The foregoing is illustrated in FIG. 15 , which shows a vacuum coil andreservoir system 142 consisting of two coils, a first coil 144 and asecond coil 146, coupled to a common vacuum coil reservoir 148, at thetop 150 of which is a vacuum equalization line 152. Each of the firstand second coils 144, 146 have a first end 154, 156 respectively coupledto individual first and second ports 158, 160 at the empty head space atthe top 150 of the reservoir 148. In addition, each of the first andsecond coils 144, 146 have a second end 162, 164 respectively coupled toa common port 166 at the second end 168 or the liquid full part of thereservoir 148. Essentially, when a vacuum is enabled, the liquid in thecoils 144, 146 begins to oscillate relative to the two connection ports158, 160 at the top 150 of the reservoir 148. When observed throughclear coil tubing, it appears that the liquid tries to escape throughone side of the top connection ports 158, 160, then gets dragged backand tries to escape then through the other side of the top connection,but is never successful in escaping through either connection. Thiswould be the observed oscillatory motion. The reservoir is mechanicallyconfigured to replenish the liquid refrigerant vaporized, holdingconstant the level of the liquid refrigerant in the coil, relative tothe starting and ending positions of the oscillations

5. Pre-Heating of the Refrigerant

When refilling the system with refrigerant, the refrigerant can beheated above the current temperature of the medium. Once introduced tothe refrigerant reservoirs, heat is conducted through the reservoirwalls to the medium as the refrigerant cools, warming the medium. Therefrigerant is then vaporized when cooling is desired. Thus, bothheating and vaporization cooling can be affected by the same refrigerantvaporization apparatus.

FIG. 16 , which an adaptation of FIG. 7 described above shows a system70 with a vacuum source 92, fermentation tank 74, fermentation tanktemperature transmitter TT, refrigerant reservoirs 78, refrigerantsupply pump 106, refrigerant tank 102, and refrigerant supplytemperature transmitter TT. The temperature of the refrigerant in therefrigerant tank 102 is regulated using a heating coil 101 and coolingcoil 103. Heating of the medium is accomplished by adjusting theset-point temperature of the refrigerant above the current temperatureof the medium and then supplying this refrigerant to the refrigerantreservoirs.

6. Heating and Cooling Using a Heat Transfer Medium

Temperature control of the medium can be accomplished by continuous flowof a heat transfer fluid through either the working gas apparatus orrefrigerant apparatus. However, the temperature profile of the heattransfer fluid will vary across the coil reservoirs, proportional to therate and special location of heat transfer to/from the medium. Thistemperature gradient does not exist with either a condensing working gasor a vaporizing refrigerant, as both types of phase change provide aconstant temperature heat source or sink across the same coil. However,for applications where a variation in coil temperature is acceptable,heating or cooling via flow of a heat transfer fluid may be a viablealternative to heating via working gas condensation or cooling viarefrigerant vaporization. In this instance, coil spacing of either theheating or cooling coil is defined by the same equation as thecondensing working gas or vaporizing refrigerant method, so as to bestapproximate the performance of condensing working gas or vaporizingrefrigerant.

To affect both heating and cooling, without the use of either acondensing working gas or vaporizing refrigerant, temperature variationacross the coil is best minimized if the flow of heat transfer medium ishigh and if the flow can be characterized in the turbulent regime. Thegreater the flowrate of a volume of heat transfer medium, at constantheat flux, the less that volume will warm or cool over a fixed length ofcoil section, as it has reduced time to absorb or release heat.Turbulence, inside the coil sections, can increase the heat transfercoefficient of the heat transfer media such that the coefficientapproaches that of a condensing working gas or a vaporizing refrigerant.

For example, FIG. 17 , which is essentially FIG. 16 modified, shows arefrigerant vaporization apparatus with a heat transfer medium inlet andoutlet. Heat transfer medium flow rate can be adjusted using a variablespeed pump 106, and inlet temperature is controlled using a heating coil101, a cooling coil 103, and temperature indication TT on the heattransfer medium supply tank 102, and outlet temperature is monitoredusing temperature indication TT in the piping connecting the refrigerantreservoirs 78 and the condenser 96. The heat transfer medium temperaturein the connecting piping is monitored and the speed of the pump 106varied to ensure that the temperature loss or rise across the coil doesnot exceed a set-point. This acts best to preserve the distribution ofthe localized thermal volumes created by the mechanical design of therefrigerant apparatus by holding the exterior temperature of the coil ator near a constant value.

In accordance with a further aspect of this disclosure, the heattransfer medium is pumped in parallel through the horizontal coils ofeither a working gas apparatus or a vaporization apparatus with theobjective of reducing the temperature rise across each coil. Coiltemperature at each outlet is monitored and the heat transfer mediumflow rates to each horizontal section are adjusted, with the aim ofapproximating the zero-temperature change condition across coil.

7. Condensation of a Working Fluid to Provide Heating

The refrigerant vaporization apparatus provides for process cooling of amedium utilizing a minimum temperature gradient. The mechanical designof the refrigerant vaporization apparatus creates a volume of mediumthermal coverage surrounding the individual refrigerant reservoirs, andthese reservoirs are configured such that the respective boundaries ofthermal coverage are at least contiguous. The designer of therefrigerant vaporization apparatus then chooses a spacing betweenadjacent refrigerant reservoirs as a function of the allowabletemperature variation inside the medium to be cooled. When operational,the refrigerant vaporization apparatus effectively places an upper boundon the allowable temperature of the medium.

If the vaporizing refrigerant inside the apparatus is replaced with acondensing working gas, the apparatus now functions in reverse, heatingthe medium with a minimum temperature gradient. The volumes of mediumthermal coverage are maintained in both magnitude and special location,and the volumes serve also to place a lower bound on the allowabletemperature of the medium. The equation to calculate ideal coil spacingfor the working gas condensation apparatus is identical to that of therefrigerant vaporization apparatus, per the example derivation below:

V = I * RElectricalAnalogy ΔT = Q * RHeatTransferEquation$\frac{\Delta T}{L} = {\frac{Q*R}{L}{Divide}{by}{Length}{of}{Horizontal}{Section}}$$\frac{Q}{L} = {\frac{\Delta T}{R*L}{Rearrange}}$

-   -   L=Length of horizontal lattice section (m);    -   Q=Total heat transferred from medium to horizontal section per        unit time (W);    -   R=Total resistance to heat transfer across the temperature        differential per unit time (K/W); and    -   ΔT=Maximum temperature difference between medium and condensing        working gas (K).

ΔT = T2 − T1TemperatureDifferential(K)$R = {\left( {\frac{1}{H1*A1} + \frac{\ln\left( \frac{R2}{R1} \right)}{2*\pi*L*K1} + \frac{1}{H2*A2}} \right)\begin{matrix}{{Resistance}{to}} \\\begin{matrix}{{Heat}{Transfer}} \\\left( {K/W} \right)\end{matrix}\end{matrix}}$$R = {\frac{1}{2*\pi*L}*\left( {\frac{1}{H1*R1} + \frac{\ln\left( \frac{R2}{R1} \right)}{K1} + \frac{1}{H2*R2}} \right){Substituting}}$${R*L} = {\frac{1}{2*\pi}*\left( {\frac{1}{H1*R1} + \frac{\ln\left( \frac{R2}{R1} \right)}{K1} + \frac{1}{H2*R2}} \right)\begin{matrix}\begin{matrix}{{Resistance}{{to}{Heat}}} \\{{Transfer}{Across}}\end{matrix} \\{{Length}\left( {K*m/W} \right)}\end{matrix}}$$Q = {J*\left( {{\pi*R3^{2}*L} - {\pi*R2^{2}*L}} \right)\begin{matrix}\begin{matrix}{{Heat}{Generated}{by}{Medium}} \\{{per}{Unit}{Time}{for}a}\end{matrix} \\{{Horizontal}{Section}(W)}\end{matrix}}$$\frac{Q}{L} = {J*\pi*\left( {{R3^{2}} - {R2^{2}}} \right)\begin{matrix}\begin{matrix}{{Heat}{Generated}{by}{Medium}} \\{{per}{Length}{of}{Horizontal}}\end{matrix} \\{{Section}{per}{Unit}{Time}\left( {W/m} \right)}\end{matrix}}$

-   -   A2=Surface area of exterior wall of horizontal lattice section        (m²);    -   H1=Condensing working gas heat transfer coefficient, including        boundary layer effects (W/m²*K);    -   H2=Medium heat transfer coefficient, including boundary layer        effects (W/m²*K);    -   J=Maximum heat generated by medium per unit volume per unit time        (W/m³);    -   K1=Thermal conductivity of lattice material of construction        (W/m*K);    -   R1=Radius from center of horizontal lattice section to inside of        lattice wall (m);    -   R2=Radius from center of horizontal lattice section to outside        of lattice wall (m);    -   R3=Radius from center of horizontal lattice section to outside        of medium volume (m);    -   T1=Temperature of condensing working gas (K); and    -   T2=Temperature of medium at outer edge of medium volume (K).

${{\frac{Q}{L}*\left( {R*L} \right)} - {\Delta T}} = {0{\begin{matrix}{{The}{Rearranged}{Heat}{Transfer}} \\{{Equation}{Set}{Equal}{to}{Zero}}\end{matrix}}}$${{J*\pi*\left( {{R3^{2}} - {R2^{2}}} \right)*\frac{1}{2*\pi}*\text{ }\left( {\frac{1}{H1*R1} + \frac{\ln\left( \frac{R2}{R1} \right)}{K1} + \frac{1}{H2*R2}} \right)} - \left( {{T2} - {T1}} \right)} = {0{Substituting}}$${R3} = \text{⁠}{\sqrt{\begin{matrix}{\frac{1}{J*\pi}*\left( {{T2} - {T1}} \right)*} \\{\frac{1}{\frac{1}{2*\pi}*\left( {\frac{1}{H1*R1} + \frac{\ln\left( \frac{R2}{R1} \right)}{K1} + \frac{1}{H2*R2}} \right)} + {R2^{2}}}\end{matrix}}\begin{matrix}{Setting} \\{Equal} \\{{to}R3}\end{matrix}}$

Note that the temperature at the center of the working gas reservoir,T1, is now less than the temperature at the outer edge of the volume ofmedium thermal coverage, T2, and the heat generated by the medium perunit volume per unit time, J, now carries a negative value, indicatingthat the medium is losing heat per unit volume per unit time. Thechanges in sign for both the temperature differential, ΔT, and heatproduction, J, cancel out and the expression inside the square root termalways remains positive, providing a real solution for value R3.

Referring to FIGS. 18 and 19 , for a given horizontal lattice tubesection 200, the mechanical design must be capable of supplying themaximum heat required by a medium volume 202 surrounding that horizontallattice section 200 that has an outside boundary 204. This volume 202can be approximated by assuming a cylindrical shape surrounding thehorizontal lattice section 200 with a radius R3, the combination of thedistance from lattice centerline to the tube exterior R2 and thedistance from the lattice exterior at R2 to a centerline betweenadjacent lattices. The volume of the mechanical lattice is thensubtracted from the total volume of the medium filled container tocalculate the volume of the heat requiring medium.

R1 is the inner radius of a lattice tube and should be selected incoordination with the horizontal length L of horizontal lattice sections200 to provide sufficient surface area for heat transfer from thelattice structure to the medium. As with the refrigerant vaporizationapparatus, design consideration must be given to pressure drop in alattice headspace during system operation. Unlike the refrigerantvaporization apparatus, though, there should be minimal liquid levelpresent in a horizontal lattice tube section 200, as any condensedworking gas must be removed quickly to maintain an interior lattice tubesurface free of obstructions which may reduce the condensation rate.

Also, as with the refrigerant vaporization apparatus, the design andmathematical methodology of the horizontal lattice tube sections can beadapted for use outside of a container. Consideration must be given tothe additional heat transfer resistance created by the container walland medium surrounding the horizontal sections (e.g., air). Theseresistances can be accounted for via reduced values for h1, h2, or k1 inthe spacing equation or through a more rigorous treatment of heattransfer resistances as shown in the modified spacing equation found inimplementation 3 of the current disclosure. It is often most practicalto modify the resistance terms h1, h2, or k1 so as to reflect empiricaldata, however, keeping computation to a minimum.

Ideal spacing of the horizontal lattice tube sections for the workinggas condensing apparatus remains as calculated by right angle geometryfor the refrigerant vaporization apparatus. FIGS. 20, 21, 22 showalternative geometric configurations that can increase spacing betweenlattice sections, though these configurations risk that part of themedium may fall below the design temperature range due to insufficientheating. FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional illustration of multiple heatingvolumes with minimal coverage, FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional illustrationof multiple heating volumes with partial coverage, and FIG. 22 is across-sectional illustration of multiple heating volumes with completecoverage.

FIG. 23 illustrates a system 210 to control the temperature of a medium212 by working gas condensation. In this representative implementationthe system includes a container 214 having an exterior 216 and aninterior 218. At least one working gas reservoir 220 is associated withthe container 214, the working gas reservoir 220 including at least onereservoir section 222 structured to hold working gas 224 in an internalreservoir space 226. In this implementation, there are a plurality ofreservoir sections 222 as shown more clearly in FIGS. 25 and 26 , eachreservoir section 222 having a wall 228 with an exterior surface 230structured to be thermally coupled with the volume of the medium 212 inthe container 214 and to provide thermal change to the volume of themedium 212 in container 214 and thereby provide a volume of mediumthermal coverage in the container 214 as described above in connectionwith FIGS. 18 and 22 and to be described more fully below.

Each of the reservoir sections 222 has its respective internal reservoirspace 226 in fluid communication with at least one other internalreservoir space 226 of an adjacent reservoir section 222, and theplurality of reservoir sections 222 are arranged in spaced relationshipto adjacent reservoir sections 222 with the respective volumes of mediumthermal coverage having the respective boundaries of thermal coverage tobe at least contiguous.

The system 210 further includes a gas cylinder 240 for supply of workinggas to the reservoir sections 222 and a working gas pressure apparatus242 to provide regulation of working gas pressure in the reservoirsections 222. The reservoir sections 222 are each configured to form avapor space 232 in each reservoir section 222 in response to receivingworking gas 224 and in response to the working gas pressure apparatus242 regulation of the pressure of the working gas 224 to enable workinggas condensation at or near a selected temperature of the volume ofmedium thermal coverage (for example 202 above) for the volume of themedium 212 in the container 214 that is thermally coupled to therespective reservoir section 222.

It is to be understood that the working gas pressure apparatus 242 canbe implemented with readily available commercial equipment and hencewill not be described in detail herein. Briefly, the working gaspressure apparatus 242 includes the gas cylinder 240 in fluidcommunication with the working gas reservoir 220. Ideally, both apressure regulator 244 and an accumulator 246 are positioned between thegas cylinder 240 and the working gas reservoir 220. Control of thepressure regulator 244 can be performed manually or, more preferably, byautomated controls in a controller 248 that utilizes sensors and acomputer processor to process signals from the sensors and transmitcontrol signals to the pressure regulator 244 in response to the sensorsignals.

In the implementation of FIG. 23 , a condensate trap 250 is provided toremove the condensed working gas, such as R-134a. The condensate trap250 is in fluid communication with the working gas reservoir 220 via anexit tube 252, which may be gravity fed, to provide either a continuousor continual supply of condensed working gas to a condensate receivertank 254. Ideally, the condensate receiver tank 254 has a leveltransmitter LT that senses and transmits an indication of the volume ofcondensate in the condensate receiver tank 254 to avoid placingbackpressure that may impede proper function of the condensate trap 250.The pressure in the working gas reservoir 220 is maintained at set-pointpressure by the working gas pressure apparatus 242 and condensed workinggas is removed by gravity drain to the condensate trap 250.

FIG. 24 is an illustration of an alternative implementation of a system260 to the system 210 shown in FIG. 23 . Working gas is supplied to theworking gas condensation apparatus 262 continuously through use of acompressor 264, evaporator 266, throttling device 268, receiver withvariable heat removal 270, and controller 248. This implementationclosely mirrors the functionality of a traditional refrigeration system;however, the refrigerant is replaced by a working gas. In thisimplementation, the working gas is compressed by the compressor 264,condensed in the working gas condensation apparatus 262 and receiver270, expanded through the throttling device 268, evaporated in theevaporator 266, then returned to the compressor 264. The controller 248is provided for system automation.

The receiver 270 is capable of variable heat removal based upon the rateof condensation in the upstream working gas condensation apparatus 262.Variable heat removal is necessary to guarantee that a constant volumeof condensed working gas is supplied to the throttling device 268. Forexample, a cell culture reactor may require different magnitudes of heatinput to maintain temperature based upon its current life-cycle phase,thus creating a variable flow rate and phase of condensed working gas atthe outlet of the working gas condensation apparatus 262. However, theimplementation shown in FIG. 24 functions optimally with a constant heatload such that both the flow rate and phase of the working gas areidentical at the input to each of the throttling device 268, theevaporator 266, and the compressor 264. Variable heat removal in thereceiver 270 adds additional condensation to the system, when required,providing the downstream stability in phase and flow required.

Also, the alternative system 260 illustrated in FIG. 24 may be modifiedfor use with a refrigerant vaporization apparatus. In this instance, theworking gas condensation apparatus 262 and receiver with variable heatremoval 270 are replaced by a traditional condenser, and the evaporator266 is replaced by the refrigerant vaporization apparatus and receiverwith variable heat addition. The receiver with variable heat additionserves a similar purpose as the receiver with variable heat removal 270,in that it helps to guarantee both a constant flow rate and phase ofevaporated refrigerant to the downstream compressor 264, subject to thevariable heat output of the medium to be cooled.

As shown in FIG. 25 , the working gas reservoir 220, in oneimplementation, has a manifold 234 coupled to each of the reservoirsections 222 to provide fluid communication to a working gas supply line236 and to a condensate drain line 238, which allows for system liquiddrain to the condensate trap 250 and condensate receiver 254. Theplurality of reservoir sections 222 may be coupled together in series orin parallel or in a combination of series and parallel arrangements. Theworking gas reservoir 220, in one implementation, comprises a lattice ofreservoir sections 222. Each reservoir section 222 is held in place by avertical support 239, as is the manifold 234. Each reservoir section 222is designed and positioned for gravity drain of condensed working gas tothe condensate drain line 238 via sloping of a reservoir bottom 241.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the workinggas reservoir 220 may be located on the exterior of the container 214,which is shown in FIG. 27 .

FIG. 28 shows an alternative implementation of the apparatus of FIG. 25.

Here, a working gas reservoir 260 is provided that includes a pluralityof reservoir sections 262 coupled in series by vertical risers 264 toform a continuous arrangement with an input port 266 at the top throughwhich working gas 270 enters. A condensate drain line 268 is provided atthe other end, which allows for system drain to the condensate trap 250and condensate receiver 254. In this implementation, the working gas 270enters the input port 266 at the top of the system and liquid condensate272 is removed from the drain port 268 by gravity at the bottom. Theworking gas reservoir 260 must be sloped in the downward direction topromote gravity draining of condensate to the drain port 268. This coilwould be suitable to use for heating or cooling of a medium viacirculation of a heat transfer medium in either direction between theinput port 266 and the drain port 268.

In operation, working gas 276 is introduced into the working gasreservoir 260 and the pressure of the working gas 276 in the working gasreservoir 260 is regulated to enable working gas condensation at or neara selected temperature of the volume of medium thermal coverage for thevolume of the medium 274 in the container that is thermally coupled tothe respective reservoir section 262.

System operation requires that the working gas condense at a uniform or,preferably, an identical temperature throughout the coil. Also, aworking gas volume must be maintained throughout the coil, sufficient toremove the heat generated by the medium via vaporization. Properorientation of the coil with respect to gravity ensures that the liquidvolume of condensed working gas therein matches the design intent anddrains quickly to the trap below, leaving the surface area of the coilinterior without liquid obstructions that might reduce the condensationrate. The coil metallurgy must be selected so as not to adversely affectthe quality of the medium to be warmed, and the coil should be cleanedbetween uses to avoid possible contamination of the new medium to bewarmed. Working gas pressure should provide for working gas condensationat, or as close as possible to, the desired temperature of the medium tobe warmed, so as to avoid possible thermal shock of the medium.

When utilizing gas cylinders for batch supply of the working gas, theworking gas supply must be made available at a higher pressure than thecoil demand, and system design must allow for variable inlet flow ratesof the working gas to the system. This can be affected by use of anupstream accumulator which makes a large volume of working gascontinually available, held at the desired pressure. The condensate trapand receiver must also be properly sized such that condensed working gasdoes not build to a high liquid level in the coil drain piping,obstructing the coil interior surface area available for heat transfervia condensation. The coil must be carefully oriented with respect togravity, as well, to allow for proper draining and prevent liquidbuild-up in the horizontal sections.

When utilizing a compressor for continuous operation, proper orientationof the coil with respect to gravity ensures optimal system performance,as the working gas reservoirs drain condensed liquid by design.Compressor performance must be monitored relative to the heat productionprofile of the medium with respect to time. Most importantly, thecompressor must be capable of continued operation at variable flowratesof condensed working gas and throughout the desired range of working gasinlet pressures. Cell cultures, for example, can vary in heat productionrate as a function of both time and batch number. System monitoring mustbe sufficiently robust to adjust system operation to unexpected swingsin process variables without risk of damage to the compressor andassociated components.

Working gas selection is a function of the heat production profile andoptimal production temperature of the medium to be heated relative tothe choice of heating equipment and control scheme. Ideally, a workinggas also condenses at a pressure greater than atmospheric (14.7 psia).This avoids the need to maintain a system environment below atmosphericpressure, particularly difficult as air leakage into the system iscommon through components and fittings and use of a vacuum source tocompensate removes working gas from the coil before it has anopportunity to condense.

Pressure drop between the working gas source and coil must be calculatedas a function of system geometry to ensure that the working gas willcondense at the desired temperature. Operationally, the working gaspressure corresponds to the working gas condensation temperature, asthis temperature is constant during the phase change. The objective isto control the pressure of the working gas in the coil at a specificcondensation temperature, at or near that of the set-point temperatureof the medium to be heated.

For fermentation of wine, common maximum allowable temperature rangesare 64-77° F. for red wines and 50-59° F. for whites. Assuming an R-134aworking gas and compressor combination, these temperature rangescorrespond to vapor pressures of approximately 77.10-96.11 psia for redwines and 59.98-70.61 psia for white wines. For fermentation of beer,common maximum allowable temperature ranges are 60-70° F. for ales and45-55° F. for lagers. Assuming an R-134a working gas and compressorcombination, these temperature ranges correspond to vapor pressures ofapproximately 71.87-85.48 psia for ales and 54.62-65.72 psia for lagers.

The system must also provide cooling for the duration of thefermentation cycle. For primary fermentation of both red and whitewines, 3-5 days is commonly required. For primary fermentation of beer,1-2 weeks is commonly required for ales and 1-2 months is commonlyrequired for lagers.

8. Intermediate Medium on Coil Surface

The spacing equation for either the working gas reservoirs orrefrigerant reservoirs can be modified to account for an intermediatemedium to be placed in contact with both the surface of working gasreservoir or refrigerant reservoir and the medium. The intermediatemedium may be useful as a disposable layer mounted on the exterior ofthe coil, for example, to prevent cross contamination from previousfermentations or as a method for changing the exterior metallurgy of thecoil when a conflict exists between the coil metallurgy and the mediumto be heated or cooled.

Sequentially, for a cooling coil, heat is conducted first from themedium to the intermediate medium, then from the intermediate medium tothe wall of the coil, and finally through the coil wall to therefrigerant. For a heating coil, this heat transfer process is reversedwith heat flow beginning at the working gas and ending at the medium.

Quantitatively, the coil spacing equation is modified to account for theadded resistance of the intermediate medium:

V = I * RElectricalAnalogy ΔT = Q * RHeatTransferEquation$\frac{\Delta T}{L} = {\frac{Q*R}{L}{Divide}{by}{Length}{of}{Horizontal}{Section}}$$\frac{Q}{L} = {\frac{\Delta T}{R*L}{Rearrange}}$

-   -   L=Length of horizontal lattice section (m);    -   Q=Total heat transferred from medium to horizontal section per        unit time (W);    -   R=Total resistance to heat transfer across the temperature        differential per unit time (K/W); and    -   ΔT=Maximum temperature difference between medium and condensing        working gas or vaporizing refrigerant (K).

ΔT = T2 − T1TemperatureDifferential(K)$R = {\left( {\frac{1}{H1*A1} + \frac{\ln\left( \frac{R2}{R1} \right)}{2*\pi*L*K1} + \frac{\ln\left( \frac{R6}{R2} \right)}{2*\pi*L*K4} + \frac{1}{H2*A6}} \right)\begin{matrix}{{Resistance}{to}} \\\begin{matrix}{{Heat}{Transfer}} \\\left( {K/W} \right)\end{matrix}\end{matrix}}$$R = {\frac{1}{2*\pi*L}*\left( {\frac{1}{H1*R1} + \frac{\ln\left( \frac{R2}{R1} \right)}{K1} + {{\frac{\ln\left( \frac{R6}{R2} \right)}{K4}++}\frac{1}{H2*R6}}} \right){Substituting}}$${R*L} = {\frac{1}{2*\pi}*\left( {\frac{1}{H1*R1} + \frac{\ln\left( \frac{R2}{R1} \right)}{K1} + \frac{\ln\left( \frac{R6}{R2} \right)}{K4} + \frac{1}{H2*R6}} \right)\begin{matrix}\begin{matrix}{{Resistance}{{to}{Heat}}} \\{{Transfer}{Across}}\end{matrix} \\{{Length}\left( {K*m/W} \right)}\end{matrix}}$$Q = {J*\left( {{\pi*R3^{2}*L} - {\pi*R6^{2}*L}} \right)\begin{matrix}\begin{matrix}{{Heat}{Generated}{by}{Medium}} \\{{per}{Unit}{Time}{for}a}\end{matrix} \\{{Horizontal}{Section}(W)}\end{matrix}}$$\frac{Q}{L} = {J*\pi*\left( {{R3^{2}} - {R6^{2}}} \right)\begin{matrix}\begin{matrix}{{Heat}{Generated}{by}{Medium}} \\{{per}{Length}{of}{Horizontal}}\end{matrix} \\{{Section}{per}{Unit}{Time}\left( {W/m} \right)}\end{matrix}}$

-   -   A6=Surface area of exterior wall of the buffer medium enclosing        surface (m²);    -   H1=Working gas or refrigerant heat transfer coefficient,        including boundary layer effects (W/m²*K);    -   H2=Medium heat transfer coefficient, including boundary layer        effects (W/m²*K);    -   J=Maximum heat generated or lost by medium per unit volume per        unit time (W/m³);    -   K1=Thermal conductivity of lattice material of construction        (W/m*K);    -   K4=Thermal conductivity of intermediate medium (W/m*K);    -   R1=Radius from center of horizontal lattice section to inside of        lattice wall (m);    -   R2=Radius from center of horizontal lattice section to outside        of lattice wall (m);    -   R3=Radius from center of horizontal lattice section to outside        of medium volume (m);    -   R6=Radius from center of horizontal lattice section to outside        of intermediate medium (m);    -   T1=Temperature at working gas or liquid-vapor refrigerant        interface (K); and    -   T2=Temperature of medium at outer edge of medium volume (K).

${{\frac{Q}{L}*\left( {R*L} \right)} - {\Delta T}} = {0{\begin{matrix}{{The}{Rearranged}{Heat}{Transfer}} \\{{Equation}{Set}{Equal}{to}{Zero}}\end{matrix}}}$${\left. {{J*\pi*\left( {{R3^{2}} - {R6^{2}}} \right)*\frac{1}{2*\pi}*\text{ }\left( {\frac{1}{H1*R1} + \frac{\ln\left( \frac{R2}{R1} \right)}{K1} +} \right.\frac{\ln\left( \frac{R6}{R2} \right)}{K4}} + \frac{1}{H2*R6}} \right) - \left( {{T2} - {T1}} \right)} = {0{Substituting}}$${R3} = \text{⁠}{\sqrt{\begin{matrix}{\frac{1}{J*\pi}*\left( {{T2} - {T1}} \right)*} \\{\frac{1}{\begin{matrix}{\frac{1}{2*\pi}*\left( {\frac{1}{H1*R1} + \frac{\ln\left( \frac{R2}{R1} \right)}{K1} +} \right.} \\\left. {\frac{\ln\left( \frac{R6}{R2} \right)}{K4} + \frac{1}{H2*R6}} \right)\end{matrix}} + {R6^{2}}}\end{matrix}}{Setting}{Equal}{to}R3}$

Referring to FIG. 29 , for a given horizontal lattice section, themechanical design must be capable of the desired heat transfer rate,subject to the added thermal resistances. Ideally, an intermediatemedium will transport heat with minimal resistance and is of a materialof construction favorable to the desired heat transfer rate. Also, thematerial of construction of the intermediate medium must be compatiblewith surrounding medium to be heated or cooled. Working gas reservoirsor refrigerant reservoirs including intermediate buffers may be locatedeither interior or exterior to a tank or vessel.

9. Combination of Working Gas Condensation and Refrigerant VaporizationCoils

The refrigerant vaporization apparatus controls the temperature of amedium by preventing the medium volume from exceeding a high-boundtemperature value. Utilizing the same coil spacing equation, the workinggas condensation apparatus controls the temperature of a medium bypreventing the medium volume from exceeding a low-bound temperaturevalue. Both types of apparatuses can be combined inside a tank or vesselto control the temperature of the medium between a high-bound andlow-bound value.

FIG. 30 is an illustration of adjacent refrigerant reservoirs designedsuch that the medium external to the reservoirs never exceeds ahigh-bound temperature of 72° F. FIG. 31 is an illustration of adjacentworking gas reservoirs designed such that the medium external to thereservoirs never falls below a low-bound temperature of 68° F. Theinterior lattice temperature of the refrigerant and working gasreservoirs is 70° F.

FIG. 32 is an illustration of a combination of the refrigerantreservoirs shown in FIG. 30 and the working gas reservoirs shown in FIG.31 . The reservoirs are positioned such that the terminus of the volumeof thermal coverage of one reservoir is located at the center of anadjacent reservoir of a different type. Thus, a refrigerant reservoirthat prevents the temperature of the surrounding medium from exceedingbetween 70° F. and 72° F. is positioned such that its terminus ofthermal coverage is located at the center of an adjacent working gasreservoir that prevents the temperature of the surrounding medium fromfalling below between 68° F. and 70° F.

Assuming radial heat transfer from each reservoir through an identicalmedium, there is minimal risk of interference between the twotemperature control systems as the low bound temperature of therefrigeration vaporization apparatus never falls below the high boundtemperature of the working gas condensation apparatus and the high boundtemperature of the working gas condensation apparatus never exceeds thelow bound temperature of the refrigeration vaporization apparatus.Accordingly, no spatial temperature gradient is formed by which thecondensation apparatus would provide heat to the vaporization apparatusvolume of cooling coverage, and no spatial temperature gradient isformed by which the vaporization apparatus would remove heat from thecondensation apparatus volume of cooling coverage.

10. Use of Working Gas Condensation and Refrigerant Vaporization CoilsInside Agitated Tanks

The refrigerant vaporization apparatus controls the temperature of amedium by preventing the medium volume from exceeding a high-boundtemperature value. Utilizing the same coil spacing equation, the workinggas condensation apparatus controls the temperature of a medium bypreventing the medium volume from exceeding a low-bound temperaturevalue. Both types of apparatuses can be used individually to control thetemperature of a medium inside a tank or vessel or combined inside atank or vessel to control the temperature of the medium at or between ahigh-bound and low-bound value.

Use of either or both apparatuses in agitated tanks improves theprobability that heat is successfully transferred either from the mediumto the refrigerant vaporization reservoir or from the working gascondensation reservoir to the medium. Mathematically, this probabilityincrease is manifested by an increase in H2, the medium heat transfercoefficient including boundary layer effects. Per the coil spacingequation, an increase in H2 then increases the value of R3, the radiusfrom center of horizontal lattice section to outside of medium volume.Practically, use of agitation in a tank or vessel reduces the coilsurface area required to maintain the desired volumes of coolingcoverage inside a tank or vessel. For example, a refrigerantvaporization apparatus used in wine fermentation with ethanolrefrigerant, 2″ OD sanitary reservoir tubing reservoirs, and a 10° F.temperature differential has an ideal lattice spacing of roughly 12inches. If the wine tank or vessel was agitated, the value of H2, themedium heat transfer coefficient including boundary layer effects, couldincrease from 140 W/m{circumflex over ( )}2*K to 1000 W/m{circumflexover ( )}2*K. Per the spacing equation, this change changes the ideallattice spacing to roughly 21 inches.

It is often useful to further subdivide H1, the refrigerant orcondensing working gas heat transfer coefficient including boundarylayer effects, and H2, the medium heat transfer coefficient includingboundary layer effects. This subdivision allows for improved analysis ofthe effects of agitation on heat transfer rate. For example, if latticespacing is increased due to medium agitation, fouling then has a greaterproportional effect on heat transfer as there is less coil surface areaavailable. Impeller design, speed, and spatial location may also havesignificant impact on coil heat transfer rate in agitated tanks orvessels through changes in the heat transfer film coefficient. Arepresentative sub-division for an agitated refrigerant vaporizationapparatus is as follows:

1/U=1/HM+1/HROFC+1/HROF+1/HR+1/HRIF+1/HRIFC+1/HF

-   -   U=Overall heat transfer coefficient (W/m{circumflex over        ( )}2*K);    -   HM=Medium heat transfer coefficient (W/m{circumflex over        ( )}2*K);    -   HROFC=Reservoir outer film heat transfer coefficient        (W/m{circumflex over ( )}2*K);    -   HROF=Reservoir outer fouling heat transfer coefficient        (W/m{circumflex over ( )}2*K);    -   HR=Reservoir heat transfer coefficient (W/m{circumflex over        ( )}2*K);    -   HRIF=Reservoir inner fouling heat transfer coefficient        (W/m{circumflex over ( )}2*K);    -   HRIFC=Reservoir inner film heat transfer coefficient        (W/m{circumflex over ( )}2*K); and    -   HF=Refrigerant heat transfer coefficient (W/m{circumflex over        ( )}2*K).

Note that U, the overall heat transfer coefficient, now represents thecomplete heat transfer rate from the medium to the refrigerant,accounting for the effects of H1, H2, and K1, thermal conductivity oflattice material of construction, as used in the spacing equation.

These and other changes can be made to the implementations in light ofthe above-detailed description. In general, in the following claims, theterms used should not be construed to limit the claims to the specificimplementations disclosed in the specification and the claims, butshould be construed to include all possible implementations along withthe full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

Accordingly, the claims are not limited by the disclosure.

1. A system to control a temperature of a medium by working gascondensation, comprising: a container having an exterior and aninterior; at least one working gas reservoir associated with thecontainer, the at least one working gas reservoir having at least onereservoir section configured to hold working gas, each at least onereservoir section having a wall with an exterior surface structured tobe thermally coupled with a volume of the medium in the container and toprovide thermal change to the volume of the medium in the container andthereby provide a volume of medium thermal coverage in the container,the volume of medium thermal coverage having an outside boundary; acondensation apparatus to provide regulation of working gas pressure inthe at least one working gas reservoir; and wherein the at least oneworking gas reservoir is configured to form a vapor space in each of theat least one reservoir sections in response to receiving working gas andin response to the condensation apparatus regulation of the working gaspressure to enable working gas condensation at or near a selectedtemperature of the volume of medium thermal coverage for the volume ofthe medium in the container that is thermally coupled to the respectiveat least one reservoir section.
 2. The system of claim 1 wherein the atleast one reservoir section comprises a plurality of reservoir sectionsthat each have a respective internal reservoir space that is in fluidcommunication with at least one other internal reservoir space of anadjacent reservoir section, and the plurality of reservoir sections arearranged in spaced relationship to adjacent reservoir sections with therespective volumes of medium thermal coverage having the respectiveboundaries of thermal coverage to be at least contiguous.
 3. The systemof claim 2, further comprising a working gas source in fluidcommunication with the working gas reservoir and the condensationapparatus, and configured to provide working gas to the working gasreservoir in response to a change in pressure in the working gasreservoir as regulated by the condensation apparatus.
 4. The system ofclaim 2 wherein the plurality of reservoir sections are coupled togetherin series or in parallel or in a combination of series and parallelarrangements.
 5. The system of claim 2 wherein the working gas reservoircomprises a lattice of reservoir sections.
 6. The system of claim 2, inwhich R3 is a radius of the volume of medium thermal coverage that isdetermined as follows: ${R3} = \text{⁠}\sqrt{\begin{matrix}{\frac{1}{J*\pi}*\left( {{T2} - {T1}} \right)*} \\{\frac{1}{\frac{1}{2*\pi}*\left( {\frac{1}{H1*R1} + \frac{\ln\left( \frac{R2}{R1} \right)}{K1} + \frac{1}{H2*R2}} \right)} + {R2^{2}}}\end{matrix}}$ where: H1=Working gas heat transfer coefficient,including boundary layer effects (W/m²*K); H2=Medium heat transfercoefficient, including boundary layer effects (W/m²*K); J=Heat generatedby medium per unit volume per unit time (W/m³); K1=Thermal conductivityof working gas reservoir wall material of construction (W/m*K);R1=Radius from center of reservoir section to interior of reservoirsection wall (m); R2=Radius from center of reservoir section to exteriorof reservoir section wall (m); R3=Radius from center of reservoirsection to outside boundary of medium thermal coverage (m);T1=Temperature of working gas at a location of condensation (K); andT2=Temperature of the medium at an outer boundary of thermal coverage(K).
 7. The system of claim 6 wherein a minimum spacing between a centerof adjacent reservoir sections is not less than $\frac{2}{\sqrt{2}}*R3$and in which R3 is a radius of the volume of medium thermal coverage. 8.The system of claim 1 wherein the at least one working gas reservoir islocated in the interior of the container.
 9. The system of claim 1wherein the at least one working gas reservoir is located on theexterior of the container.
 10. The system of claim 1 comprising avariable speed pump for moving the working gas through the working gasreservoir and condensation apparatus.
 11. A method of controlling atemperature of a medium by working gas condensation, the methodcomprising: providing an apparatus for controlling the temperature ofthe medium by condensation of a working gas, the providing includingproviding: a container having an exterior and an interior; at least oneworking gas associated with the container, at least one working gasreservoir having at least one reservoir section configured to holdworking gas, each at least one reservoir section having a wall with anexterior surface structured to be thermally coupled with a volume of themedium in the container and to provide thermal change to the volume ofthe medium in the container and thereby provide a volume of mediumthermal coverage in the container, the volume of medium thermal coveragehaving an outside boundary; a condensation apparatus to provideregulation of working gas pressure in the at least one working gasreservoir; and wherein the at least one working gas reservoir isconfigured to form a vapor space in each of the at least one reservoirsections in response to receiving working gas and in response to thecondensation apparatus regulation of working gas pressure to enableworking gas condensation at or near a selected temperature of the volumeof medium thermal coverage for the volume of the medium in the containerthat is thermally coupled to the respective at least one reservoirsection; introducing working gas into the at least one working gasreservoir to partially occupy the at least one reservoir section in theat least one reservoir section; and regulating working gas pressure inthe at least one reservoir section to enable working gas condensation ator near a selected temperature of the volume of medium thermal coveragefor the volume of the medium in the container that is thermally coupledto the respective at least one reservoir section.
 12. A method ofcontrolling temperature in a medium stored in a container, the methodcomprising: partitioning the medium into localized thermal volumes; andthermally coupling a working gas to respective localized thermal volumesto control a temperature of the localized thermal volume to maintain themedium at a selected temperature.
 13. The method of claim 12 whereinpartitioning the medium into localized thermal volumes comprisespositioning a working gas reservoir in physical proximity to thecontainer, with at least one working gas reservoir section associatedwith a respective localized thermal volume.
 14. The method of claim 13wherein the thermally coupling comprises regulating working gas pressurein each at least one reservoir section to maintain a temperature of therespective localized thermal volume at the selected temperature of themedium.